The right running shoes

The term 'Pronation' sounds familiar with you? Possibly No.

This word is a jargon used in Biomechanics that runners injured with their feet might have heard of, and that has been popularised in the analysis of what your stride is like.

You might have no clue what type of the stride you have unless you are a footwear expert or gait analyst. At the end of the article, however, you will get to know how closer you are to one of the three different types.

There are different types of strides - normal (neutral)-pronation, over-pronation, under-pronation (supination) . Most of runners have normal (neutral)-pronation, which is their feet turn slightly inwards at contact with the ground. Secondly, some runners have over-pronation when their feet turn excessively inwards while running. Only a very few runners have supination, whose foot turns outwards when it hits the ground.

Basically, since a stride is often determined by the anatomy of the foot, take your shoes off and examine the soles of your running shoes, which will tell you what type of strides you have. Then, you will notice the three different types as following. (Tips: When you choose the right shoes in a shop, drop by late afternoon because your feet are a bit swollen. And try your shoes on with your socks on.)

• If your running shoes have been worn mostly in the centre, that means you should buy normal running shoes as a neutral pronator.
• If your running shoes have been worn mostly on the inside, you should look for the right running shoes that stabilise the stride and support the foot. (over pronator)
• If your running shoes have been worn mostly on the outside, you are a supinator. That means buy the running shoes designed for high arches with extra cushioning at the heel arch.
  
  

Occasionally, although you have bought running shoes adapted to your type of stride, you could feel uncomfortable. Hence, what you should consider when buying your running shoes is how comfortable you feel when you first try them on. It is recommended that you walk around the store with the shoes on, which must be also roomy enough for the toes.