Do you struggle to find comfortable or “the right” running shoes?
If so, keep reading.
Everyone is different when it comes to running shoes, and the best ones for you depend on a few factors – including the type of foot you have.
Picking the Right Running Shoes
In the video below, Physical Therapist and avid runner Kearsten Fish, PT DPT, explains the factors that determine the best fit in running shoes.
When it comes to feet, there are three different types – those with a neutral arch, a low arch, or a high arch.
Neutral Arch
If you have a neutral arch and walk around with bare, wet feet, you should be able to see a slight curvature in the arch along with the rest of your footprint.
Runners with a neutral arch have the most flexible type of foot and can adapt easily to different surfaces.
It only makes sense that a neutral foot needs neutral running shoes. This means there’s no overcorrection from any type of insert and that it’s even with your instep. It’s also relatively flexible.
If you have a neutral arch, you want to make sure you maintain good strength.
Due to its flexible nature, a neutral arch can roll too far in or out without adequate strength to support it.
Low Arch
A low arch is sometimes referred to as a flat foot.
If you’re a runner with a low arch, your foot may be too flexible. When you land, you may be coming down and putting a lot of pressure on the inside of the foot.
People with low arches also do well with neutral running shoes.
You shouldn’t build up the arch with inserts or overcorrection. Like a neutral arch, you need more strength to stay healthy.
With the right strength, you can overpower the low arch.
High Arch
Unlike the other two types of arches, a runner with a high arch has a foot that’s rigid and lacks flexibility. There is more space between the ground and where the foot lands.
Because running with a high arch means you lose your shock absorption, you need a shoe with more stability and support.
Unlike a runner with a neutral or low arch, someone with a high arch needs to focus on building flexibility to improve their mobility.
Regardless of the type of foot you have, strength plays an important role — especially as we age.
Runners who began with neutral or low arches can see this change with years of decreased strength.
Are you a runner struggling with pain or injury?
Unlike other medical providers, Buffalo Rehab Group understands your need to run. Get back to running pain- and injury-free with help from a Physical Therapist who loves running, too!
Click below to learn more about our specialized Physical Therapy services for runners: