What To Look For
Women who underpronate, or supinate, roll their feet outward from the ankle while they run. They tend to have high arches and rigid, less flexible feet. The best running shoes for women who underpronate give some flexibility and a lot of cushioning for shock control. Because underpronating puts stress on the smaller toes of the foot, the best shoes for women who underpronate have extra padding on the midsole in this area as well. These shoes may be called "cushioned" at the store where you buy running shoes. The cushioning and flexible sole promote flexibility, emphasizing the small movement you have and allowing you to run in a safe, sustainable way.
Common Pitfalls
Buy shoes for underpronation, not overpronation. As the names imply, the two issues are complete opposites, and shoes that address one problem will only make the other problem worse. A sports physician or therapist can tell you which is affecting your stride, but the easiest way is to scan the bottoms of your shoes to see where they are most worn. Running shoes that show the most wear and tear toward the arches, on the inside of the foot, belong to overpronaters. Shoes that are more worn-out around the edges belong to underpronaters.
Where To Buy
You can buy shoes that address underpronation through any store where you buy normal running shoes. Though it was once difficult to find running shoes made especially for women, most retailers now have a relatively equal selection of goods for men and women, allowing women runners to wear lighter shoes that are better tailored to their needs. If you prefer to try on your shoes in person and buy your shoes quickly, a local store, like a privately-owned running store or a chain like Athlete's Foot, is a good bet. However, if you already know what kind of shoe you need and have tried it before, buying through a catalog or online can save you money.
Cost
The best running shoes for women who underpronate will cost about $100. Obviously, there are a range of shoes that address this issue, and you can find shoes for underpronaters for as little as $75 or as much as $150. If you purchase your shoes online or through a catalog, factor in a little extra money for shipping.
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