This weekend was the New Jersey Marathon at Pier Village in Long Branch. I saw a lot of athletes all shapes and sizes were running to compete their best. Running is a sport for many ages and anyone can run. Plus it is cheap; you don’t need equipment or a gym, all you need is a good pair of running shoes. Because of the weather being warmer and days longer, I have seen more and more people running outside. Being a Physical Therapist at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center in Howell, NJ many patients ask me, “Which running shoes are best for my feet?”

First you have to figure out the type of feet you have: flat feet, high arched feet, or neutral or normal feet. If you’re looking at your foot in a standing position, you’ll know you have flat feet if you don’t see any arch. The bottom of your foot, from your toes to your heel, is completely flat. If you do the footprint test, you won’t see an inward curve from your big toe to your heel. If you’re flat-footed, you’re most likely an overpronator, which means that your feet roll inward when you run. You will probably need a running shoe that maintains your stability. Look for the words “motion control” and “stability” on the box of running shoes you are considering. In addition to motion-control shoes, some flat-footed runners also need to wear orthotics. Orthotics or custom-made shoe inserts that correct foot issues can be made at our offices in Howell, NJ, Edison, NJ, Carteret, NJ or Monroe, NJ. We will make a custom mold of your feet and design an orthotic that best suits your needs.

If you have high arches, you’ll notice a high arch on your foot. If you do the footprint test, your print will curve inward, making the middle part of your foot look very thin. If you have high arches, you probably supinate or underpronate, which means your feet roll outwards as you run. You need to look for flexible shoes with a soft midsole that absorbs shock. When buying running shoes, look for options with the words “flexible” or “cushioned” included in their descriptions.

If you’ve examined your feet or your footprint and it doesn’t look flat-footed or high-arched, you most likely have a neutral or normal foot. Your footprint will have a noticeable curve inward, but not by more than 3/4 of an inch. This is the most common type of foot, and it’s also the least susceptible to injury provided it’s equipped with proper shoe gear. If you have normal feet, you can choose from a wide variety of running shoes, including ones made for neutral runners.

After you have examined your foot and you still cannot determine the type of feet you have, it will benefit you to be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist. We can help you determine what type of feet you have and suggest shoes that are best suited for your needs.

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

http://www.footdoctorsnj.com/physical.html