Choosing the best running shoes

For those sprinters who strive to run faster-and-faster, getting the best running shoes has always been the case. Shoes are the key equipments on which every runner's speed depends. They not only avert injuries to the feet, but also assist in more efficient running. With the growing need for competent running shoes, the shoe companies have made large investments to design the best fitting shoes for different types of feet.

Best shoe for you as a runner would be the one that offers maximum performance, comfort and protection against injuries. However, you need to keep in mind when choosing a shoe that even if it is immaculately designed with the latest technology, or may be expensive, it may not fit you. So, it is all about finding the shoe that keeps your feet at its best while you are running.

There are different types of feet, each differing in shape and size. More so, it may happen that your own two feet are different from each other in length or width or arch type. The biomechanics of each person differs and the movement of the body distributes force in a different way. Mileage and running goals of a person are also different. Since there are several styles and designs of shoes, it is difficult to select the best that suits you.

Tips for selecting the best shoe

For a new runner, it is important to know where your feet lands while running and how you move with each stride. Think carefully about the way you run. See whether you land on the middle of your feet, on the front of your feet, or on your heels. On which part inside your feet do you feel most pressure, inside or outside?

Choose a shoe based on your foot motion and flatten the structure of your foot. The shoe must provide enough support where your foot strikes the running surface - forefoot, midfoot or heel. Be sure that the shoes you buy fit your feet perfectly while standing as well as sitting. Further, they should be comfortable and should not hitch after being worn.

See that the shoes are not too loose or very tight, as this can lead to blisters. The shoe should keep the heels cozy. The size of the shoe should be such that you are not able to stick your thumb between the heel and the back of the shoe, or haul up your heel out of the shoe.

If your shoes are too short then it might cause black toenails or sore feet and, in some cases lost toenails. Make sure that the toebox has enough width of room, so that you can spread your forefoot without difficulty.

Shoes for different Types of Feet

Typically, the runners run in three different ways in terms of how their feet lands on the surface. Essentially these three positions depend on the way your feet pronate. The three positions are Overpronation, Neutral or Underpronation. Remember that your two feet may pronate differently and the underpronation or overpronation may be severe or mild. The best type of shoe for you is determined by these positions.

For those of you who overpronate - use the inside of your foot greatly; the motion control shoes are suitable for you. Having flatter foot requires a motion control shoe, since these shoes can strongly limit the inward rolling of the foot. If you are an overpronator and do not wear right kind of shoes, you are likely to suffer injuries.

However, in case you are underpronate or supinator - use the outside of your foot with high arches, the cushioned shoes are best for you. The neutral ones should go for stability shoes. These shoes combine the best of pronation control features blend, cushioning, and durability.

Orthotics found at www.MyBadFeet.com can help. A podiatric physician will contact you to discuss or orthotic needs after you order.

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Dr. Maasi J. Smith
www.MyBadFeet.com