| Whether you're a serious runner or a weekend | | | | lot of dry space where the inner part of the |
| warrior, you need to choose a good running | | | | foot is, you probably have a flat foot. |
| shoe. Not only will a solid running shoe help | | | | Anywhere in between these two 'scientific' |
| you protect your foot from the pounding of | | | | measurements is a normal foot arch. |
| the pavement, but it will also help you stay | | | | |
| on the run for longer periods of time. | | | | The arch of your foot can affect the way your |
| However, if you've stopped to look at the | | | | foot is going to hit the pavement, thus it is |
| current shoe selection, you've probably | | | | something that you need to make sure you are |
| already noticed that there are hundreds of | | | | considering. |
| styles and kinds of shoes from which to make | | | | |
| your choice. Here's a 'rundown' of what you | | | | Finding the Right Foot Prescription |
| need before you walk into the store. | | | | |
| | | | Different running magazines and stores will |
| What Kind of Runner are You? | | | | advise you to choose different kinds of shoes |
| | | | for the various arch patterns you have. But |
| Before you can choose the right shoe for your | | | | there are other factors you need to consider |
| workout needs, you need to determine the | | | | as well: |
| level of runner you are. If you're brand new | | | | |
| to running, you might want to go to a running | | | | - Your weight - the more you weight, the more |
| store with your specific needs in mine. | | | | pressure will be exerted on your foot as you |
| However, if you have been running for years, | | | | run |
| you might want to stick with the shoe brand | | | | |
| and style you've already been using - or | | | | - Your budget - you can find running shoes |
| upgrade to something new if your training | | | | that are cheap or those that are expensive |
| needs have changed. | | | | |
| | | | - Your running future - if you plan to run in |
| A casual runner (that is, someone that runs a | | | | events or to run over the long term, it might |
| few times a week or month) is someone that | | | | be smart to find several pairs of running |
| needs to choose a decent running shoe that | | | | shoes to wear |
| will stand up to the mileage that is covered, | | | | |
| but doesn't need to have a specific structure | | | | In today's running shoe market, you will find |
| or training features. A runner who gets | | | | a few phrases that come up in shoe styles and |
| outside to the pavement on most days of the | | | | models. |
| week should choose something that can | | | | |
| withstand that constant beating as well as | | | | - Stability shoes - These shoes are going to |
| last through more miles than the average | | | | cradle your foot as you run, helping to |
| running shoe. If you're a runner that stays | | | | prevent too much pressure from being on any |
| primary on the track, you might want to | | | | one part of the foot as you move from step to |
| choose a track running shoe to help simulate | | | | step. These are best for average feet that |
| the event running you probably do. | | | | don't need any specific cushioning because of |
| | | | arch differences. |
| For those that like to run primarily on | | | | |
| trails, there are running shoes that are | | | | - Cushioned shoes - These kinds of shoes are |
| available for these conditions too. | | | | those that will help to cushion the foot as |
| | | | you move from one place to another, but more |
| What is Your Foot Like? | | | | so than a stability shoe will. These are best |
| | | | for high arched feet that don't have a |
| Take a look at your feet right now. Aside | | | | natural ability to rest low in relation to |
| from the size, what else do you know about | | | | the foot. These shoes will help the foot move |
| your feet? This will help you to choose a | | | | more easily from one step to the next. |
| running shoe that is right for your running | | | | |
| habits. The first thing you will want to do | | | | - Motion control shoes - These kinds of shoes |
| is to test the arch height that you have. You | | | | are those that will help a low arch foot move |
| can do this easily by finding a piece of | | | | from one place to the next. Since these kinds |
| paper and laying it on the ground in front of | | | | of feet move quite freely, they need |
| you, stepping on it with a wet foot. The | | | | something to keep them from moving too much |
| imprint that is left will show you whether | | | | and injuring themselves in the process. |
| you have a high arch, low arch, or a neutral | | | | |
| arch (normal). If there is a lot of dry space | | | | But in the end, it's the shoe that fits well |
| in the inner part of your footprint, you | | | | and feels good on your foot that is the right |
| probably have a high arch. If there is not a | | | | shoe for you and for your running. |