The Flat Foot/Low Arch

A flat foot (or foot with a very low arch) is characterized by having no visible arch shape and generally lays flat to the ground when the person is standing. The flattening of the arch indicates that the ligaments, tendons, and tissues in the foot are weaker and more flexible than normal.

After heel strike, a flat foot will be seen to lean inward excessively during the gait cycle. This excessive pronation indicates that the arch is collapsing too much and that the foot and ankle are not providing enough stability for the body. Also, extra stress is placed on the big toe and second toe at the end of the stride.

The best type of shoe for flat feet is Motion Control (some high-stability shoes are also suitable). These shoes are designed for maximum support. They generally have firmer medial support technologies, flatter soles, and straighter shapes that are designed to control excessive foot motion. Some are designed to control both inward and outward motion. Heavier persons who need extra support and durability may also benefit from this highly-supportive shoe type.

The Normal/Neutral Arch

A normal arch (or neutral, medium, average arch) has a defined shape with a visible upward curve when a person is standing. The instep (the top of the foot, just above the arch) should appear to be a gradual slope without a pronounced bump. This is the most common arch and foot type.

This type of foot exhibits a normal, natural gait. The outside of the heel strikes the ground first. Then the foot rolls inward very slightly, coming in complete contact with the ground as it propels forward. The push-off occurs evenly across the ball-of-the-foot. The slight inward roll is natural and serves to absorb shock effectively.

The recommended type of shoe for athletes who have normal or medium arches is usually Stability. Stability shoes generally have some extra support on the medial side along with good midsole cushioning. The dual-density midsoles and medial posts provide sufficient support and control for the mild degree of overpronation which may occur. (Neutral cushioned shoes may also be suitable for light-framed runners with neutral gaits.)

The High Arch

A high arch has a very pronounced curve along the inner side of the foot. A large gap (ranging from 1/2 to 1 inch) can usually be seen between the ground and the foot. Also commonly associated with a high arch is a high instep (pronounced bump on the top of the midfoot area) and clenched toes.

A high-arched foot leans toward the outside during the entire gait cycle. The foot remains quite rigid, it doesn’t flex properly, and it doesn’t absorb shock very well. Extra pressure and stress are placed on the outer edge of the foot and the smaller toes.

A high-arched foot is usually best served by a Cushioned (or Neutral-Cushioned) shoe. These shoes are designed to have a softer midsole and more flexibility. These shoes do not have any added devices for stability or support. Their main focus is to provide a high level of balanced cushioning to encourage more a natural foot motion. Sometimes, when the degree of supination is severe, a Motion Control shoe may be used to control excessive outward motion.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to remember everything here, but hopefully this will give you a general idea of what to look for. At the very least, this may help you better understand what the salesman is talking about the next time you buy running shoes.

Jerome Baker is an experienced salesman of New Balance shoes. He has been selling New Balance brand running shoes for over 10 years, and has many satisfied customers.

Author: Jeromees Wintly Bakerreer
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What is a flat foot?

Having a flat foot can sometimes be a frustration in searching for the appropriate accessory, like shoes. A flat foot is characterized by your foot print looking like a blob contoured in the general shape of a foot. You can easily check this using a footprint on a piece of paper. Also, physically, you may
observe that there is almost no curve going inward from your toe to your heel. Another significant characteristic is that when you press firmly on any surface, your foot seems to spread out.

What shoes to use?

Shoes are generally created to provide protection to a person’s feet. However, even though most of the commercially available shoes are using soft and shape shifting materials, a specific pair of shoes should be used for flat-footed people. Usually, when a person has flat feet, they are also considered
to be an overpronator. It is a condition when the foot rolls inward while running. That is why the appropriate shoes should be used.

The most appropriate shoes for flat feet are the ones that are equipped with high stability properties as well as with motion control materials. Also, shoes with firm mid-soles are far the most efficient types. These factors reduce the capability of your flat foot to roll over in specific areas, thus making your walking or running more comfortable. You should avoid shoes that are highly curved in inward soles for these types may reduce your stability and compress your foot painfully.

Since running shoes were manufactured based on the activities of runners, they are equipped with padding and cushion materials for greater flexibility. You won’t need shoes that have multiple layers of padding since this will apply pressure to your flat feet, thus making it very uncomfortable to use. You can just use running shoes that have at least a single layer of comfort pads but are not too curved.

There are some health problems that you may have if you do not use running shoes ideal for flat footed individuals. For example, if you tend to run long distances with an inappropriate shoe type, you may experience instability from the flat panels of your feet towards the upper portion of the legs. These conditions may cause knee and leg injuries while running. Also, your balance capability is compromised, leading to an uncontrollable body movement while in motion.

If you are going to purchase a pair of running shoes, you can search over the basic items sold in the market. But, you should always bear in mind that you might need to sacrifice style and brand in order to make sure that you have the best running shoes for flat feet. Although this may seem to be a
little frustrating, you should always consider the health factor of using them. You may ask for assistance to get you the right model and brand of shoes for flat feet.

To discover additional tips for selecting the best running shoes for flat feet, check out my FREE running shoes selection guide at www.TheRunningAdvisor.com

Author: Jeff Ray
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You will have to bring your child to the shoe store with you to find the best pair. Even though you know their shoe size, a proper fitting shoe is only achieved by measuring your child’s feet right in the store. Kid’s feet grow quickly so you should always bring them with you when buying a new pair for your kids. The higher priced brands of running shoes do offer the most protection and comfort for your feet. It is important to spend a little more to get good quality when it comes to the shoes your children wear.

You also want to make sure that the shoes are comfortable for your child. Have them walk around the store and watch for any signs of discomfort from your child. Kid’s often like the look of a particular brand and do not pay attention to the comfort that they have when wearing the shoe. Make them walk around a bit before deciding on the particular running shoe for your child.

Feel your child’s foot inside the shoe for fit. The toes should not be cramped up in the front of the shoe. They should also not be too loose or you risk blisters and injury. Feel where your child’s foot is inside the shoe before you determine you have the correct running shoe. You may have to go up or down a half a size before you find the right running shoe.

Keep an eye on your child’s shoes for signs of wear and growth. Children often outgrow their shoes before they are worn. Injury can occur when kid’s shoes don’t fit properly. Good shoes can be an expense, especially when your child outgrows them rapidly, but it is vital to prevent injury.

Here is a good selection of Brooks Running Shoes and Asics Running Shoes which are suitable for teenagers.

Author: Ian M Knight
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Motion Control shoes

These shoes are the most rigid, control oriented running shoes. These are designed to limit overpronation or slow down the rate at which a runner overpronates. They are usually heavy but very durable. They include features such as medial post, a polyurethane midsole and a carbon rubber outsole. They offer stability and maximum medial support.

You should buy these shoes only if you are an overpronator, if your wear orthotics and want a firm midsole and deep heel counter or if you are a heavy runner who needs extra durability and control.
Runners with flat fleet usually go for this kind of shoes.

Stability shoes

They offer a good blend of cushioning and medial support and durability. They have a medial post of dual-density midsoles to provide stability. They are also usually built on semicurved last.
These are shoes for you if you are a mid weight runner, without any severe motion control problems.
Runners with normal arches do well in stability shoes.

Cushioned Shoes

They have the softest or most cushioned midsoles. They have the least medial support and are usually built on semi-curved last to encourage foot motion.

These are helpful for underpronators who have rigid and immobile feet. You should buy running shoes like this if you are an efficient runner with high arched feet.

Light weight Training Shoes

These are lighter versions of standard trainers. They are usually built on sermi-curved or curved last. These are for fast paced training or racing. Stability of the shoes is of high question here.
Buy these shoes if you have relatively quick pace.

Trail Shoes

They offer increased outsole traction, midsoles similar to those of stability shoes and uppers with toe bumpers. There are also reinforced stitching for more durability.

Buy these shoes if you do a lot of off-road running and need shoes with extra traction.

To discover additional little known tips about Why Do People Wear Running Shoes, check out my FREE guide at http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html.

Author: Jeff M Ray
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There are hundreds of styles, designs, and brands of athletic footwear. Before purchasing a new pair of running shoes, there are few things to consider. Size, type, and shape are very important. The materials used in manufacturing the shoe and its construction are important for “breathability” and durability. The price can be an important factor for many consumers, especially for many beginner runners, or those on a budget. Warranties, guarantees, and return policies should be checked, also. Most major athletic shoe manufacturers offer a wide variety of very attractive, quality designs.

Choosing the right size will provide a comfortable fit and feel for the foot. The running shoes should fit, but not be too snug or too loose. Normally, feet will swell a little through the day. Keep this in mind when shopping and trying on shoes. Also, when trying on shoes, wear the same kind of socks that will be worn while running. Most athletic shoe retail store employees are very helpful in determining the correct size for consumers. Shopping online or by phone requires some homework.

To find the right size at home, stand on a piece of paper and trace both feet. Using the larger tracing, measure the length and width of the foot. Measure the length from the heel to the end of the longest toe. Measure the width at the widest part of the foot. Use the measurements with sizing charts provided at the store or online. Usually, when ordering by phone the measurements will help to determine the right size to order. The thickness, height, or instep should be considered, also. There are two basic rules that should always be followed. For most average consumers, the shoe length should be a quarter of an inch longer than the longest toe. And, the width should be slightly snug, but should not feel tight or restrictive. The foot should not slide or move around in the shoe, either. Most running shoes are available in varying widths to fit almost any size.

Choosing running shoes with proper stability and support is vital. The way the foot hits or impacts the floor or ground will determine which type of support is most appropriate. Looking at the bottom of the old pair of athletic shoes, or sneakers will provide a visual aid. The way the old shoes have worn on the bottom reveals the wearer’s method of walking or running. Another way to see this is to wet the bottom of the feet and stand on a paper bag. Trace the wet areas before they dry. These visual aids will determine the type of shoe an individual needs for flat, or almost flat, feet (stability or motion control shoes). Cushioned running shoes are good for runners with high arches. The stability type of athletic shoes provides a blend of cushioning, support, and durability for average arches and normal feet.

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But finding the right running shoes for the size and the shape of your feet is in itself a difficult task. Finding a bargain as well takes extra effort. But in the end, it can be beneficial. Discount running shoes are mostly available in older styles. They can still provide comfort to your feet. If you check a few things while purchasing discounted women’s running shoes, you can easily find the right pair for you.

Thoroughly investigate how old the shoes are and if they have become hardened with age. Compare the discounted price with the latest styles having similar features. Also check for warranty details on the discounted shoes. In case of a huge discount, the warranty period may be reduced. To find out where discounted women’s running shoes are available, search in the newspapers, local shoe stores, discount shops and on the Internet. Sometimes used shoes are offered at huge discounts. On the Internet, there are many discount sites to be found, but you cannot try on the shoes first, so clearly read the return policy before placing your order. There are some sites which allow bidding on their women’s running shoes. When going in for discounted shoes, try to go for a good brand name to be certain of the quality of your shoes. Popular brands like Adidas, New Balance, Nike and Reebok often offer good discounts to dispose of their old stock. By and large, the discounted women’s running shoes that you buy will turn out to be worth the effort.

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Author: Eddie Tobey
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Cushioned Shoes

Runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support are those who need to use cushioned shoes. It is highly recommended for runners who are biomechanically efficient runners which means you don’t overpronate and mid-foot or forefoot strikers. If you have a moderate to high arch foot, then cushioned shoes might be the best option for you.

Motion Control Shoes

The benefits of these shoes is that it will give you maximum rear foot control and extra support on the medial side of the foot. It is best if you are a runner who overpronates moderately to severely. Usually most of the runners who wear motion control shoes are those who are big or heavy and needs plenty of support and durability. You might want to look for these shoes if you are having low arches.

Performance Training Shoes

Performance training shoes are for runners who want a light, well-balanced shoe that is suitable for racing, speed work or daily training. Usually sprinters or fast, efficient runners are best suited for these type of shoes. Even if you overpronate moderately, you can also use these shoes to train and race.

Stability Shoes

A runner who needs medial support and good midsole cushioning should go for stability type of shoes. It is suitable for runners that are mild to moderate overpronators who needs added support and durability

Trail Shoes

If you are a runner who loves to train on mixed terrains or frequently run off-road, then trail shoes are the best option as it is a rugged pair of shoes with great outsole traction and some weather and water resistant features or qualities. Most of the trail shoes that are available in the market are built low to the ground as this adds stability on rough trails.

It is important however to know how your feet moves. Knowing your foot mechanics will greatly help to decrease the chances of getting injuries while running. Even if you have shoes with great features, it will be useless if it does not meet the criteria of your foot mechanics. Generally foot mechanics are divided into three parts, neutral movement, overpronation and supination.

Neutral movement is when your feet are turn inwards slightly as they hit the ground and is referred to as pronation. Overpronation is when your feet roll too far inward, the arches collapse and provide no support. Most of the runners who are overpronators have low to flat arches. While supination is when your feet roll outward rather than inwards. These runners who suffer from supination will usually have high rigid arches that don’t absorb shock well.

These tips come in handy and will equip you with some running shoe basics. If will greatly help you when choosing your running shoes whether or not you’re a beginner or even a veteran runner. With the right combination of shoes and your foot mechanics, it will definitely lessen the risk of injuries.

Check this site out for more articles, reviews and recommendations for the Best Running Shoes for Women.

Author: Shafiq Kamal
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Model

The model of the shoe not only affects how it looks, but also how the shoe copes with different types of terrain. Most Asics running shoes are made for road runners, but there are other manufacturers who cater for trail runners. If you want to spend a large amount of time running on a trail then you will need the extra grip that specialist shoes provide.

Another consideration is how good the reviews of specific models are. The better the reviews, the more likely it is that the shoe is of a high quality. In general though, Asics shoes are built to high specifications and won’t disappoint. You should also keep in mind that just because a particular shoe has worked well for someone else does not necessarily mean that it will fit your arch, feet and leg type. Your running style will also come into play when choosing a new pair of shoes.

Size

It seems obvious, but a lot of people overlook the need for buying a pair of running shoes that fits. If you buy a motion control running shoe (see the next section on support for more about this) then it will not work effectively if you don’t have the shoe correctly fitted. It’s not just the length of the shoe that’s important, but also the width.

If possible, you should take your new pair of running shoes for a quick jog, or even just a short walk. This will give you an idea of whether the heel slips as your run, or whether your toes feel bunched up at the end. It’s nearly always a good idea to get the shoe fitted by a professional to start with, especially since Asics running shoes tend to be a slightly different size to other manufacturers.

Support

Asics shoes are well known for their high level of support, which is essential if you have flat feet or if you over pronate. The problem with low quality running shoes is that either they don’t provide enough support for over pronation, or the support wears down quickly. Typically, you will need to replace a pair of Asics shoes every 4-6 months, although this largely depends on how much you run and what terrain is your favorite.

The other thing to keep in mind is whether you really need a large amount of support for your feet. Some people have a neutral arch, in which motion control shoes aren’t required, and other people.

If you’d like to learn more about Asics running shoes, including the different models which are currently available, please click the link.

Author: Rebecca Kerry
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Bikila is the name of the Vibram Five Fingers shoe which was named in honor of Abebe Bikila. Bikila is a famous Olympic runner from Ethiopia who ran barefoot. The purpose of the running shoe is to build strong running feet. The structure of the Bikila gives the runner a sure forefoot strike while racing.

The materials of the shoe are very important for speed and proper technique. The upper materials are made of polyamide. The Bikila foot bed is constructed with polyurethane. The sole supports the foot with rubber pods placed in alignment with the anatomical structure formed by the foot bottom.

Vibram Five Fingers Company presented the Bikila running shoe in 2007 at the New York Marathon where people attending could try them out. The shoes designed for running have to be eased into before they can be worn comfortably for a long race. Athletes are forced to use muscles not worked in regular running shoes. Reviews for running barefoot have been great for both women and men using the Vibram Five Fingers for racing and marathon running.

The Bikila running shoe is sold online and in retail stores. The styles and colors for both men and women are worth viewing while you are looking at the shoe for the first time online. The new look has a different chart for sizing to get the perfect fit. The foot is measured from toe to heel in inches so the toes fit comfortably into each toe pocket. The shoes also improve the balance and ability to move quickly.

Many new customers suggest buying the shoes where they are sold the first time to get the perfect fit. Walk around in the shoes for about ten or fifteen minutes. The fit of the shoe feels like a tight sock on a rubber sole. Your toes should just barely touch the end of the pockets for the perfect fit.

You might like to try other sports barefoot after you get running in the Bikila shoes. The Company has designed other sport shoes for sprinting, water sports and other fitness activities. These shoes are comfortable and slip resistant during active sport play. If they are worn inside their soles will not put skid marks on the floor. If you can think it, Vibram Five Fingers can do it.

Vibram Five Fingers Bikila sport shoes are designed to run the race. The breakthrough barefoot design enforces a proper forefoot strike and adds speed to the stride. The Bikila is named for the Olympian Runner who is popular for racing barefoot from beginning to end. It is not a new concept in other parts of the world and perhaps runners in the United States should give it a try. The barefoot race in on.

Vibram Five Fingers shoes are the most revolutionary shoes on the market today. Totally unique and truly stylish there is a pair of Vibram Five Fingers shoes for just about everyone. Find out more about Vibram Fivefingers shoes right now.

Author: Jean Morgan
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Here are some of the most common running shoe types accompanied with some guidelines to help you pick the right shoe.

1- Walking Shoes

Running and walking are not the same activity. You can walk in a running store but you can’t run with a walking shoe! There are a variety of shoes in this category and they are not intended for running. If you are not into running and prefer to walk, these walking shoes are ideal for you and can give you more support and motion control.

2- The stability type

Stability running shoes are specifically designed for the normal or neutral foot type. It is also ideal for the flat-footed runners who overpronate. This type of shoes are usually somewhat rigid, but they provide shock-absorbing cushioning-which is very helpful when running.

3- Motion control shoes

This type of shoes are typically the heaviest, most rigid and most durable. They usually provide the runner with the maximum medial support. Motion control shoes have a more rigid and wider sole-which makes it difficult for the foot to turn when rolling inward; thus if you are flat-footed and overpronate, this is the ideal choice for you.

4- Cushioned Running

Shoes These types are usually equipped with advanced stability and cushioning properties and offer the most flexibility among the other different running shoes. For runners with high arches, the impact of running is first centered on the heel, then it transfers to the outer edge of the foot with almost no rotation-this is known as supination. Supinators suffer from knee problems and shin splints due to this abnormal pronation. As a result, cushioned running shoes offer the needed flexibility to allow enhanced pronation and also aid to absorb shock

5- Light weight shoes

Lightweight shoes, or trainers, are usually designed for racing or interval running. They don’t offer as much padding and support, but are very light and flexible, and tend to be very neutral. This type is ideal for track athletes who don’t suffer from any existing injury.

6- Trainers

These are designed to provide the maximum cushioning possible, and are usually very heavy. Trainers are great for those who supinate or pronate too much. If you are looking for the everyday running shoe-this one may be the one for you.

7- Trail shoes

Trail running surfaces are usually rough and rigorous. Trail running shoes are specifically designed for such endeavor, they offer extra protection for your feel and ankles, and are usually made of special waterproof materiels to protect against rain and bad weather condition. They are ideal for running through ponds and steering around roots and rocky terrains.

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