Three Types Of Running Shoes

It is important that you match your feet to the type of running shoes you are about to wear so you won't have to suffer from foot problems after running. So to help you decide, here are the three main types of running shoes.

1. Cushioned Running Shoes. This type of running shoes is best for people whose feet have high arches. If you examine the footprints of an individual with high arched feet, you will notice a really thin portion on the edge of the foot and a very big gap underneath the ball of the foot. Due to this, it is the small toes that take a lot of pressure every time the individual runs, especially during lift off.

The feet of individuals who have high arched feet barely rotate so the joints suffer more shock. When the joints are constantly subjected to shock, it will eventually wear it down which can become really painful; it usually results to knee problems and shin splints. To counter this situation, people with high arched feet are required to wear cushioned running shoes.

Cushioned running shoes have enough cushioning to absorb the shock. It is also flexible enough to allow natural pronation as it contains no devices such as median posts that are used to prevent extreme rotation of the feet. So if you have high arched feet and are fond of running, make sure that you wear cushioned running shoes.

2. Motion Control Running Shoes. For runners who are flat footed or have low arched feet, this type of running shoes is the best for them. When running, flat footed runners usually hit the ground with the outer edge of the foot rather than the heel. Then the weight is transferred from the heel to the toes which often results to over or excessive rotation that results to the feet rotating excessively inward. If left unattended, overpronation can cause foot problems in the future.

Motion control running shoes are recommended for runners who overpronate because shoes under this category are made from stiffer, more rigid materials. They also have wider soles and contain medial posts underneath it in order to counter overpronation. Motion control running shoes may be slightly bulkier than the rest, but it doesn't affect the runner's action and speed. However, they will certainly notice less pain and experience lesser injuries after the long run.

3. Stability Running Shoes. Shoes under this category are best worn by runners who have normal or medium arched feet. People with this type of feet transfer weight evenly as compared to the other two.

When running, the foot hits the ground from the middle to the outside part of the heel and travels throughout the foot with the ball slightly rolling inward and the weight leaves the foot through the toes. This is the normal running action. Stability running shoes support this action and don't need any special features like medial posts or stiffer materials because there is normal pronation or foot rotation.