What To Look For
Many runners' balance problems originate with their stride, and can be fixed by finding a good pair of running shoes. Two types of problems with your stride may be causing your balance problems: overpronation or underpronation.
Overpronation, the most common of the two problems, is caused when your foot turns inward from the ankle, causing you to roll over your arch, rotating your lower leg inwards. If you overpronate, the best running shoes to help you balance are motion-control shoes. These shoes have a stiffer interior and snug heel area, and are made to prevent your feet from twisting inwards. This keeps you upright and correctly balanced.
If you underpronate, or roll your foot outwards from the ankle as you run, causing you to lose your balance, you will need a stability shoe. With thicker interior walls and a cushioned midsole, these shoes have more cushioning to absorb shock. A quick way to tell which shoe is right for you is to look at its shape: overpronators will need a shoe that is straight, while underpronators will need a shoe that curves in slightly at the toe.
Common Pitfalls
Properly diagnosing your stride will help you pick the best running shoes to help you balance. If you choose a shoe that does not fit your stride, you will only worsen your problems and be thrown further off-balance. A good rule of thumb is to examine your arch; overpronators usually have low arches and almost flat feet, while underpronators have high arches. Similarly, you can examine the patterns of wear on the treads of your current shoes: overpronators' shoes show more wear on the interior, near the arch, while underpronators' shoes wear more on the outside of the foot.
If you still have balance problems after changing your shoe, you may have a medical issue involving your inner ear. Talk with your doctor to rule out health problems.
Where To Buy
Because over- and underpronation are such common issues with runners, you can find motion-control and stability shoes at any running store. Buying your shoes from a running shoe store not only puts you in contact with salespeople who run themselves and have some expertise in running, it also helps support local business. However, if no such store is in your area, you can also find these shoes at chain athletic stores, like City Sports. Don't try to buy your first pair of balance-control shoes online, because fit is extremely important in controlling balance. After you have found a pair of shoes that works for you and are ready to purchase your second pair, you might explore websites like Road Runner Sports, which offer discounts on popular shoes.
Cost
Motion-control and stability shoes are extremely popular and therefore don't cost any more than a neutral pair of running shoes. Expect to pay between $80 and $120. If you have extreme pronation issues and need a lot of extra cushioning, or if you wear an uncommon size or width, you may pay slightly extra. In general, however, budget around $100 to purchase a good pair of running shoes for balance.
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