If you've been running for a while, you know how important a good running shoe is. It can make the difference between having a great time running and getting hurt.
The problem is that people don't know. Most people don't know that there are different shoes for different kinds of feet. If you want to walk quickly, jog, or run marathons, it can make a huge difference to know what kind of feet you have before you go shopping.
How do you know what type of foot you have? It's really not that hard. Get a dark piece of paper, wet your feet, and then step on the paper. Pay close attention to the mark. Most people have one of three kinds of feet.
- You have flat feet if your footprint takes up most of the foot and there isn't much of an arch. You have flat feet, like 60% of the people in the United States.
- Congratulations if your print has a medium arch. You have the best foot in America out of the 10% of people who have it.
- You have high arches if you have a wide arch and a narrow line on the outside of your foot. You are one of the 30% of people who live in America.
There are running shoes for everyone, no matter what kind of feet you have. Up to 56% of the 30 million runners in the U.S. have injuries because they didn't choose the right shoes. So you can see that to protect yourself, you do need to do your homework.
With all the pressure from TV ads and what's in style right now, you should really put your health first. Most likely, you will be able to find stylish shoes that are good for your feet.
Here are some tips to help you decide which shoe to buy:
- You want both stability and cushioning for your feet if you have a medium arch or an ideal foot.
- If you have flat feet, you should buy shoes that are stiff and stable. This will keep your ankles from turning in or out, which will keep you safe.
- If you have high arches, you should look for shoes with a lot of cushioning. If your feet have a high arch, they don't absorb shock very well, so you'll need that cushion to help.
When you try on a shoe, it should fit snugly but not too tightly, and your longest toe should be about 1/2 inch from the front of your running shoe. Tip: Go shoe shopping in the late afternoon, when your feet are wider. If it's not comfortable in the store, think about how it will feel when you're running. So give them a thorough test while you're there.
In conclusion, those cheap shoes you bought may cause you trouble in the future, so choose carefully and may your running be smooth and wonderful. Your feet will really appreciate it.
