Proper fitting running shoes reduce injuries.
Running is a convenient form of exercise that requires little equipment. The benefits of running include improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, increased energy, reduced stress and stronger bones. It is important to wear the proper fitting shoes to reduce your risk of injury. The best way to find the right shoes for your feet is to consult with a running or medical professional. However, this may not be a resource that is available to many people. You can also choose the proper running shoes based on the structure of your feet.
Instructions
1. Gather a few pairs of your shoes and set them on a table top. Examine the heels and note whether one side is worn more than the other. Typically this will occur on the outer or inner edge of both shoes. It is also possible that the soles may be worn evenly on all sides. If the shoes are worn on the outer edge, your feet are excessively supinating (also called underpronating); if they are worn on the inner edge your feet are excessively pronating.
2. Determine the height of your arches. This can be accomplished by observing your footprint. After a shower, step onto the bath mat with your bare feet. Your foot will make a temporary imprint on the mat. If you can see the outline of your entire foot, you have low arches, or "flat feet". If your foot print is very narrow between the forefoot and your heel, you have high arches. If your foot print falls between these two extremes, you have medium, or neutral arches.
3. Measure each foot for length and width use the sizing device in the shoe store. If one foot is larger than the other, purchase shoes in the larger size. Bring your running socks and orthodic inserts to the store as well.
4. Choose the correct type of shoe for your foot pattern. If you have high arches and your feet tend to supinate, you need a curved, cushioned running shoe to help absorb shock. If you have flat feet, choose straight, motion-control shoes which help prevent your ankles from rolling too far. For normal arches and foot position, choose semi-curved stability shoes.
5. Run a short distance in the shoes before you purchase them. Spend a few minutes standing and walking around in the shoes to make sure they are comfortable.
Tags: your feet, your foot, arches your, edge your, edge your feet, feet excessively, flat feet