Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Overpronator

Characteristics: Feet roll in, low arches, knees move towards each other in the middle when bending. You quickly break down midsoles. Foot strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inward (pronates) excessively.

Injuries:

• Knee pain, IT band, Plantar Fasciitis

Best Shoe:

• Motion-control or strong Stability shoes with firm midsoles, a wide landing base, and control features like a strong, rigid heel counter to keep the heel secure and reduce the degree of pronation as well as a posting on the medial side for added motion control.

Supinator

Characteristics: Feet roll to outside, arches are high and/or rigid which usually do not pronate enough, knees stay neutral or move outwards through foot strike. Shoe wears along the outside of the sole.

Injuries:

• Stress fractures, knee and or shin pain

Best Shoe:

• Neutral/Cushioning shoes with no pronation control or extra stability features

Normal Pronator

Characteristics: Feet roll in, low arches, knees move towards each in the middle when bending. You quickly break down midsoles. Foot strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inward (pronates) excessively.

Injuries:

• Stress fractures, knee and or shin pain

Best Shoe:

• Stability shoes with moderate control features such as moderate pronation control, moderate heel counters, and a two-density midsole. These provide extra cushioning and some degree of stability.