The five common foot types are flat, high arches, neutral, overpronators, and supinators. Your foot is flat if you have no visible arch and your footprint is completely visible with no inward curve between the big toe and heel.
High arches are easy to spot. There is a clear arch between the heel and the ball of the foot.
If your footprint has a large curve with a skinny outer edge, or perhaps an actual gap between the ball and the heel, you have a high arch. A neutral type is neither flat-footed nor high-arched.
Your footprint will have a small inward curve of no more than an inch. Overpronators tend to roll inward from heel strike to take off during every stride.
Those who pronate often need more stable sneakers. Supinators tend to roll outward from heel strike to take off during every stride and need a flexible, cushioned shoe to absorb road shock while running.
To learn your foot type you can do the footprint test and look at the outline of your foot shape. You can also visit a local sneaker store and talk with the running experts.
Many stores now offer type analysis where you jog across a computerized surface or jog on a treadmill while their videotape your foot motion during running. To determine your type at home, you can take a look at the soles of your current kicks.
The location of the wear can tell you if you land on the heels, roll in or out or have a neutral strike. Next, place your sneakers on a flat surface and look at them from behind.
If the wear is on the inside of the heels, you likely need a more stable shoe to keep from pronating, or rolling inward as you jog. If the wear is on the outside of the heels, you may be a supinator, and roll to the outside.
This is even more likely if you have high arches. In this case, you may benefit from sneakers that have good cushioning and shock absorption.
There are basically five shoe types and what you buy depends upon your foot type and training needs. Motion-control sneakers are the most rigid, durable, control-oriented running shoes that limit over-pronation.
Buy these sneakers if you overpronate, you wear orthotics and want a stable shoe, or you have flat feet. Stability Sneakers are a good blend of cushioning, support and durability.
Buy these kicks if you are of average weight and don't have any severe pronation or supination, but do need support and good durability.
Cushioned Shoes typically offer less support. Buy these sneakers if you under-pronate, have a high arch, and don't need any extra support.
Lightweight training shoes are designed for fast-paced training or racing. Buy these shoes if you have no motion-control problems and are a fast, efficient runner.
Trail sneakers offer the best traction, with stability and durability. Buy these shoes if you jog off-road or in inclement weather and need extra traction, more durable uppers and a thicker soled shoe.
Plan ahead and buy your next pair of sneakers before your old pair wears out. Exercising in worn-out kicks can cause or contribute to injuries.
Start shopping early or buy two pairs at a time, so you always have a spare. It is recommended that you replace running shoes between 350 to 550 miles depending on your running style, body weight, and the surface on which you jog.
Lighter runners can get closer to the upper end of the recommendation while heavier runners are harder on kicks and should consider replacement shoes closer to 350 miles. If possible, have two pairs of similar running kicks you're actively using.
Alternating shoes every other workout gives your feet a break. In wet weather you will have a dry pair waiting.
Also, try to use your running kicks only for your workouts. They will last much longer if you aren't wearing them all day.
Author Resource:-
Ignacio Lopez has worked in the exercise and health industry for 27 years. When searching for a good deal on exercise equipment he suggests using a Nordictrack promotion codes.
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