When you shop for running shoes, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the intricate designs, hip styles and bold colors. But choosing a running shoe based on appearance or cost is dangerous for the health of your feet. Before you purchase running shoes, you must understand the shape and motion of your feet. With this knowledge, you can choose wisely among the different shaped running shoes.
Straight
The shape of a straight shoe is quite simple; it features a straight path from toe to heel. Although straight shoes tend to be a bit heavy and cumbersome, they provide the most support near the arch. The straight shape is typically only found in motion control shoes. They tend to be most appropriate for people whose feet roll excessively inward while running, also known as overpronation. As you run, straight shoes will prevent your foot from overpronating by keeping them in a straight position. As such, the feet and shoes have a much better ability to absorb shock evenly.
Curved
When you look at the bottom of a curved running shoe, you can see a definite curve along the inside of the shoe from the heel to the toe. Curved shoes tend to be the lightest and least bulky among all types of running shoes. However, they also tend to be the least supportive, particularly along the arch. The curved shape is most commonly used for racing flats, running competition spikes and neutral running shoes. This shoe shape tends to be best for people whose feet roll excessively outward while running, also known as underpronation. The curved shoe shape places support and cushioning along the part of the foot that receives the most stress and impact.
Semi-Curved
Semi-curved shoes feature an innovative combination of the straight and curved shoe shapes. Semi-curved shoes feature a slightly curved shape, yet they still provide a decent amount of support underneath the arch. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, most running shoes feature a semi-curved shape. Although they provide slightly less support and structure than a straight shoe, they still prevent excess rolling of the feet. According to the Running Advisor website, semi-curved running shoes are recommended for people whose feet do not roll excessively inward or outward while running, also referred to as neutral pronators.
Foot Shape
Before choosing the right running shoe shape for your run, you must first understand the shape and pronation of your feet. Dip your foot into water and press your foot onto cement or cardboard to leave a wet footprint. If your footprint is wide and straight with virtually no curve, you have a low/flat arch and overpronation. If you have a distinct curve along the inside of the footprint with a medium band connecting the heel and toes, you have a normal arch and neutral pronation. If your footprint reveals an extreme curve and a very thin band running between the heel and toes, you have a high arch and underpronation.
References
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine: Running Shoe Anatomy
- Run the Planet: Running Shoe Varieties, and Tips for Choosing the Right Shoe
- The Running Advisor: How to Choose A Running Shoe
- REI: How to Choose Running Shoes
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine: Selecting A Running Shoe
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Choosing the Right Running Shoe
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