What You Need to Know to Determine Your Foot Type

There are many models of running shoes and each have their own specific design. Each pair are specific to a different foot type. It's important to choose a running shoe design according to your foot type. Here we will explain how to determine your foot type.



There are three specific foot types. Below we outline the three different kinds of feet commonly seen and the kind of shoes that are appropriate for each of them.



High Arched Feet



In this foot type the arch is very high. It is easy to determine a high arch, however, when uncertain, place your fingers below your arch when your foot is flat on the ground. Your fingers should be able to go half way through the underside of your foot. Your footprint will easily show your heel and forefoot, but only a small impression in between. The arch is so high that you see very little midfoot at all.



The trouble that high arched people have is that their feet under pronate. This means that their feet have a tendency to turn outwards while walking or running. When you run long distances, the arches will tend to break a little causing your foot to extend in length. If you are a high arched foot type person, you should look to get shoes that have are in the neutral shoe category.



Flat Feet or Low Arch



Unlike high arched foot types, a low arch foot type are those that have very little arch. When looking at the footprint of a low arched person, you should see the imprint of the whole foot. Opposite to high arched people, those that are flat footed will most likely over pronate. This means that your feet turn inwards when walking or running.



If you have flat feet, it is advisable that you go for orthotics shoes, which are custom made. Orthodics will provide the extra support needed. Look for "Motion Control" running shoes.



Normal Feet



If you are somewhere in-between the above two extremes, you have a normal foot. Most of us have normal feet, but with varying levels of the arch. Typically, someone with an average arch would choose a "stability" running shoe. The running shoe market has many models available. It won't be hard to find a comfortable pair.



As a runner, you need to make sure our feet are taken care of. Wearing the wrong runners can and will eventually cause injuries. Choosing the right running shoes is worth the investment.



Jacquie Cattanach has enjoyed running and triathlons for over a quarter of a century and loves to write about it on her Running Blog. You can find lots of interesting running facts and reviews on topics such as the best running socks and Fuel Belt Helium. Please drop by our website where you can also sign up for our free newsletter with tips and advice for the everyday runner.