Finding the Best
When it comes to buying running shoes, not everything that looks good on you is good for you.
While color and style can be based on your preferences, those are not the only factors that you should carefully consider when you go shopping for the best running shoes that will not just fit your feet but, more importantly, will suit your needs and serve the purpose for which you intend to use them. And depending on the physiological structure of your feet, you can identify the kind and level of support and protection that your running shoes should be able to provide if they’re to give you maximum comfort and efficiency when you stride your way to fitness and towards the finish line. On this page we take a look at the best running shoes for flat feet.
Your foot arch’s height is one of the basic factors that would help you identify your foot type as well as the type of running shoes that’s best for you. Those with high arches exhibit underpronation or supination wherein the foot rolls in an outward motion while those with low arches tend to overpronate, in which case, the foot rolls in an inward motion the moment it strikes the ground. By doing the wet feet test where you dip your foot in water and place it on a cardboard leaving your footprint on it, you can check whether you have a high arch or a low arch.
If you get a nearly full footprint on the cardboard, it means you have flat feet, which are characterized by low and fallen arches or shallow curves along the inside of your feet. As such, your feet would naturally tend to overpronate, which causes your ankle to twist in an inward manner and your knees to overcompensate for the uneven distribution of the weight and impact, which is supposed to be supported and absorbed by the arches. Such inefficient motion of the feet, if not properly addressed, increases risk of incurring injuries on the feet, knees, ankles and hips.
That’s why runners with flat feet should be extra careful in picking their running shoes. Fortunately, the major designers and manufacturers of this type of shoes have come up with innovative shoe engineering technologies that are aimed at developing running shoes that can provide adequate support, stability and motion control for runners with flat feet. With added support on the arches, increased stability that allows for even weight distribution throughout the feet, and with greater motion control that keeps the feet from overpronating when you run, you’ll significantly improve your feet’s shock absorption system and enjoy running in comfort and safety.
But while it’s advisable for runners with flat feet to use stability or motion control shoes, you may also opt to try neutral shoes and compare how you’ll perform in both types of running shoes. Just keep in mind that, when running, your safety and efficiency would depend not just on your strength and ability but also on your gears.