How to Choose the Right Running Shoes
Running shoes is more than just the logo on the side or the brand of the shoes. Its functionally and efficiency will be determined not only by the price you paid for. There is more than just the brand and the size to choosing the right running shoes for your feet. It is all about “Pronation”, one term that most beginning runners tend to overlook and lead to foot injuries that range from mild to severe.
What exactly is Pronation? Pronation is inward motion of the foot from the initial strike of the heel. This is how your foot reduces the force from the impact of the foot to the ground and is separated into three categories, Nuetral Pronation is when the outside of the heel first receives the impact to the ball of your foot and spreads evenly to the front; Overpronation is when the outside of the foot rolls too much into the inside, and; Underpronation is when there is uneven impact spread throughout the foot so the outside curve of the foot takes much of the shock and don’t finish in the neutral position as it should.
One way that you can determine your level of pronation if by looking at your shoes’ soles and notice where the wear is. If the wear is in the inside then you are an Overpronator. If it is on the outside then you are an Underpronator. If the wear is uniform across the sole then you are Nuetral Pronator.
Another way that you can determine your pronation is by checking your foot arch height using the Wet Test. The procedures of the test need you to use a paper bag. Wet the underside of each foot and stand as normally as you can on the paper bag for a minute or two then trace the figure left in the paper and examine.
You are a neutral pronator and have a normal foot if there’s a distinct curve along the inside portion of your foot with a band a little less than half your foot’s width. If there’s not 
much curve on the inside of the imprint then you are an overpronator and have flat feet. On the other hand, if the imprint has too much curve to the inside of the foot showing only a very thing curve then you are an underpronator.
Corresponding to these foot types are the following types of running shoes that could help correct your foot to the proper pronation with little to no risks of injury. Choosing the right type of running shoes will also give better comfort and efficiency to your run.
Overpronators are more accustomed to Motion-Control running shoes. These shoes have stiffer heels and built with straighter designs to counter overpronation. Underpronators on the other hand should look for Cushioning Running shoes. These shoes have elevated shock absorption technologies and minimal arch support. These shoes
can also be used by neutral pronators if they decide to run on dirt roads that have unequal surfaces as they provide enough protection for the feet.
As said above, Neutral Runners can use either Cushioning shoes, or Stability Shoes. Stability running shoes help slow down basic pronation. They also have posts at the soles for extra support and better stability while running.
Great Post! Thanks for Sharing with us. I am really conscious about my health and fitness. So, I regularly go for running, swimming and other exercises. I think one of the greatest shoe for running is of Reebok and Nike. I use them and I think it is quite comfortable too.
A pair of good running shoes will benefit you a lot.
Nice post! I love going on my daily jog through the park early in the morning. I prefer reeboks and currently go jogging in one of there newer running shoes, zigtech. I definetley would reccommend them to anyone that runs!
Thanks for the recommendation.
Getting the right running shoes for your feet will give you ease when running. I have learned it the hard way when all I thought I need was running shoes. I wasn’t aware I need to give importance to pronation.
I am glad you learned something from this site.
I always check Nike for running shoes. I feel comfortable wearing them when I go for a run. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article. I have learned something new today.
Good shoes will let you enjoy exercise, I hope you will learn more from this site.
I am learning a lot of terminology on this article. I never thought I need to know these things when choosing a running shoes. This will surely help me on my next purchase.
Choose the right shoes is the first thing you need to do before you run.
nice info here buddy… because of your post i learned something useful. I used to jog everyday without considering the running shoes i’m wearing. As long as it is a rubber shoes then it’s fine with me. Now I know that I should be choosing the right shoes for me so that I won’t be hurting my feet a lot. Thank you very much.
Most people ignore the importance of choosing a correct pair of shoes. I hope they learn something here.
Thanks for the tips on how to determine my level of pronation. I can go ahead and buy a good fitting running shoes. I don’t have to have an aching feet again.
Most people don’t know about pronation and I hope this article will help.
There are so many people who buy running shoes simply for the designs. I think understanding the science of how our feet move, and how the shoes will affect us including our performance is a must for everyone to know. This post really is a helpful piece of information worthy enough of letting everyone read and understand.
Running shoes are a bit pricey so make sure to pick the best that will serve you right. This article will help a lot when choosing the right running shoes. I will love to share this to my friends who might need some advice.
I love to run every morning and so I love to buy running shoes. But little did I know about pronation, how to determine it and how my running shoes could correct it. Your article has detailed just about every relevant details I should know as a runner. Now I know how to choose the correct running shoes. Thanks!