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<\/a><\/p>\nWHAT TYPE OF RUNNER ARE YOU?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n There are 3 foot types that relate to the biomechanical function of the feet. \u00a0From the time the heel strikes the ground to the moment of toeing-off during gait, the foot can either pronate (roll inward), supinate (roll outward), or stay neutral. \u00a0Running shoes are designed to control the need of a runner’s foot based on these foot functions.<\/p>\n PRONATOR<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Pronation is a normal motion of the foot that helps the body to absorb shock from the impact of running and walking. \u00a0The inward motion that occurs during pronation allows the joints in the feet to remain loose in order to accommodate the ground surface. \u00a0When this motion is done excessively by the feet, there is not enough stability in the foot structure. \u00a0The arches tend to appear low or flattened.\u00a0 It is not just how the foot looks, but the timing on when it tends to roll inward during gait.<\/p>\n [custom_blockquote style=”eg. green, yellow, purple, blue, red, black, grey”] Pronators should look for shoes that provide extra support and stability. The heel of the shoes should have a stiffer counter. \u00a0The shape (last) of the shoe should be straight in length.[\/custom_blockquote]<\/p>\n SUPINATOR<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Supination is a normal outward motion that allows the foot to go from a mobile to a rigid stucture. \u00a0This allows the foot to convert from being flexible on the ground into a more rigid structure that can push off the ground. \u00a0When the foot allows too much of this stiffening motion to occur, there is not enough flexibility in the foot structure. \u00a0The arches tend to appear high.<\/p>\n [custom_blockquote style=”eg. green, yellow, purple, blue, red, black, grey”] Supinators (or Underpronators) should look for shoes that provide extra cushioning and flexibility. \u00a0The shape of the shoe should look more curved in length. [\/custom_blockquote]<\/p>\n NEUTRAL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A proper (neutral) motion of the feet is when the heel hits the ground on the outside border of the heel, and then the motion moves evenly toward the inside border of the foot at the ball.<\/p>\n [custom_blockquote style=”eg. green, yellow, purple, blue, red, black, grey”] A neutral runner can generally wear most types of running shoes but should select the type that addresses any control needs of their feet. [\/custom_blockquote]<\/p>\n DETERMINE YOUR FOOT TYPE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n There are a few ways to help determine your foot type in order to select the right running shoe.<\/p>\n 1. Try the Wet Test.<\/strong> \u00a0Wet the bottoms of your feet and stand on a paper bag. Step off the bag and then look at the footprints made.<\/p>\n even amount of arch is present in a neutral\/normal arch foot<\/p><\/div>\n no arch is present in a flat pronated foot<\/p><\/div>\n 2. Check the wear pattern on your shoes. \u00a0<\/strong>Wearing on the outside edge of the heel area is common in most people. \u00a0A better indicator of your foot type is checking wear patterns in the ball and front part of the shoe.<\/p>\n Sign of pronation in running shoe. — Podiatry Care in Tuscaloosa, AL: Dr. Rosemarie Caillier<\/p><\/div>\n even wearing indicating a neutral foot type<\/p><\/div>\n 3. Exam the structure of old shoes and insoles.<\/strong> \u00a0Your old shoes and inserts can tell you what your feet are doing during activity. \u00a0The area undergoing more pressure and stress will show more breakdown in the material.\u00a0 You may see more of this type of wear in dress and fashion shoes that are not designed to support the feet.<\/p>\n excessive wearing in the big toe area and inside part of the ball<\/p><\/div>\n arch side of the boot is collapsed<\/p><\/div>\n Understanding your foot type can prevent serious injury.\u00a0 For example, if a high arched runner knows to wear more cushioning instead of firm stability, this can prevent a potential lateral ankle sprain.<\/p>\n For runners with flat feet or who tend to pronate, a good over-the-counter arch support can be helpful.\u00a0 In certain instances where there is persistent pain, a more custom device called an orthotic may be necessary.\u00a0 Repetitive stress on the feet that flatten the arches can lead to loosening of ligaments and tendon dysfunction which can result in foot deformities.<\/p>\n Podiatrists can have custom foot orthotics made from a cast mold of your feet.\u00a0 They can evaluate your feet and movement to determine which type of running shoe is right for you.\u00a0 If you need a podiatrist in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area, bring in your old running shoes and discuss your needs with Dr. Rosemarie Caillier.\u00a0 We are happy to help you run in the right shoes so you can stay running in the right direction.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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