What To Look For
Supination is caused by the outside of the heel striking the ground first, and the foot does not roll inward during the stride cycle as it should. Instead, it stays on the outside, causing the impact to be concentrated on a smaller portion on the outside of the foot. This decreases shock absorption and causes your smaller toes to do most of the work during push-off. To make sure you are buying the correct shoe, take a simple test to find out your foot type. Wet one of your feet and stand on a surface that will leave a visible footprint. An ideal surface would be a brown paper bag. If you see just your heel, the ball of your foot, and a thin line on the outside of your foot, you have a high arch, meaning you are a supinator. When shopping for running shoes to help supination, look for lightweight shoes with neutral cushioning, and a soft, flexible, single-density midsole.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid shoes that have a hard midsole and only minimum cushioning. Also, ordering the correct shoe size when buying on line is problematic. Many running shoes do not run true to size. They can run smaller than the designated size and some manufacturers will recommend sizing up from your normal shoe size by half a size. You should always size up anyway by half a size because your feet will expand considerably while running.
Where To Buy
The best places to shop for running shoes are established specialty retailers like Footlocker, Roadrunner Sports, and Zappos. But remember, it is always best to buy from a store where you can try on shoes before buying and have an experienced associate help with selecting a shoe that is best for you.
Cost
Good running shoes to help supination can cost 50 to 100 dollars. Buying on line can save you tax if you are buying out-of-state, but you may have to pay shipping.
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