Plantar Fasciitis
about plantar fasciitis
how to tape your feet
shoes that relieve heel pain
rehabilitation

Biomechanics
choosing a walking shoe
choosing a running shoe
knee pain & foot pronation
iliotibial band syndrome

Common Conditions
blisters
bunions
corns & calluses
neuroma

Health & Prevention
heel pain in youngsters
foot support during pregnancy
foot prep for distance running
orthotic foot supports

Choosing a Running Shoe

If you are happy with your present shoes, there is no reason to change. If you are having aches and pains, or other problems related to biomechanics, running style, footwear and/or orthotics, you may need to change shoes. It is helpful to know what type of feet you have.

Foot Type 1: normal or average feet
The Stable Category (Moderate motion control) is composed of well designed shoes for average feet and running requirements. This category contains a diversity of styles and shapes to allow for individual preferences.

Foot Type 2: hypermobile, flat, pronated*, collapsed arches
The Anti-Pronation Category (Maximum motion control) are shoes known to prevent excessive pronation. These shoes may also be used by average runners who would also be able to choose from Category #1.

Foot Type 3: rigid, high arched, supinated*, high impact
The Lateral Stability Category is not for people who wear the outer corners of their heels. This is a normal wear pattern that may still indicate a need for Category #1 or #2 shoes. This Category #3 is for people who crush the outer edges of their shoes ahead of the heel, and the upper of the shoe rolls over the outer edge of the sole. These shoes may also be useful for preventing ankle sprains and for stability on uneven terrain.

*Pronation and supination of the foot are normal motions. Excessive pronation, with collapse of the arch and rotation at the knee produces fatigue, strain, and overuse injuries. Excessive supination, with a rigid foot type produces impact shock injuries.

• Don’t be fooled by too much softness. Softness does not always equate with proper shock absorption.
  
• If you wear orthotics try them on in the shoes before purchase.
  
• Many new shoe designs curve up into the arch on the inner underside of the foot. This gives a “feeling of arch support,” but unless the design is proper it may not be “true arch support.” If the midsole of the shoe is cut out, it can actually make the shoe less stable and cause injuries.
  
• Watch out for fifth toe clearance. Many new shoes have straps that can cause painful pressure over this area. Fifth toes very from person to person in their relative position compared to overall length of the foot.
  
• Heel elevation varies from shoe to shoe. As a general rule, people with tight calves do best in the higher shoes.
  
• For up to date recommendations on current sport shoes for running, cross training, walking, aerobics, soccer, and others, please contact the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM.org).