Knowing the right type of running shoes to wear is vital in preventing running injuries. Unfortunately, not many people know what to look for when shopping for them. The first thing to do is to take a look at your feet and scan them for underpronation, overpronation, or a neutral arch. Underpronation is when the outside of the foot hits the ground first. Overpronation is when the inside of the foot hits first. Finally a neutral arch is when a runner neither underpronates nor overpronates. One way to tell how you step is by looking for wear on the bottom of your shoe. Someone who underpronates will have more wear on the outside of the shoe while someone who overpronates will have the opposite. A podiatrist can help determine your step and provide custom-tailored orthotics for you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.