“If the shoe fits, wear it.” This is not always the case and when shopping for shoes, it is important to know your feet and also how you bear weight. Below we discuss the 3 main foot types and provide suggestions as to which type of athletic shoe you should consider. This blog should be used as a resource to give you a better understanding, but not as a diagnostic tool. The best way to truly fit yourself is to see a professional, whether that be a podiatrist or physical therapist.
Different types of feet:
Supinators : Commonly known as the “high archers.” In this foot position, most of your weight is distributed along the outside of the foot until you push off your big toe to bring your foot forward. You may have calluses on the outside of your foot and/or around your second toe.
Type of shoe: Cushioned shoe. The shoe will present itself with a little more curve to it giving a slight “C” shaped presentation. Cushioning in the heel is typically provided by gel or air, and the shoe in general will assist with absorption of shock and force where you distribute your weight.
Neutrals: Someone who has an arch but falls into pronation when walking. Before, I go further, I need to clear up the common misconception that pronation is bad. It is a normal part of the gait cycle and should occur in everyone’s stride. Pronation is basically the flattening of the midfoot to push off the big toe as we continue to step forward with the other leg. It is when this motion occurs to early or is excessive that can lead to injuries (more will be discussed shortly). Neutral feet follow the “normal gait” pattern where the heel strikes the groud primarily on the outside of the foot and travels through pronation to push off of the big toe.
Type of Shoe: A neutral shoe. This shoe will have a very small curve around the toe box and will appear less cushioned and supportive through the arch of the shoe.
Excessive pronators: Someone whose arch completely falls flat and the person actually pushes off of the inside of their big toe or arch. If this is your foot type, you might notice: the inside portion of the shoe is worn down, you have calluses on the inside of the great toe, arch, or you have bunions. The problem with excessive pronation is that it changes the forces up the kinetic chain, and shin splits, knee and hip pain can occur.
Type of Shoe: Stability or Motion control. These types of shoe have increased stability through the arch that you can see as you look at the shoe itself. The mid portion of the shoe might be gray and but will overall appear “built up” through the sole. Motion Control shoes offer more stability and and are more rigid than Stability shoes. They appear much straighter than Neutral or cushioning shoes. Mild Overpronators will usually get enough correction from a Stability shoe, but those with more pronation my do best with a Motion Control shoe.
For further information, please contact me at Susana@JointVenturesPT.com.