If you're a flat-footed runner, you may have trouble finding shoes that offer the arch support you need. For women who have low arches, a variety of running shoes can offer you support and motion control features. The best running shoes for your foot type can help prevent injury and keep you running happily for many workouts to come.
Arch Anatomy and Function
The arch of your foot extends through the inner, central part of the bottom of your foot. Your arches affect the degree of pronation, or rolling motion, that your feet and legs go through when you run or walk. If you have low arches, you most likely overpronate, which means your foot rolls inward more than most when striking the ground and pushing off. Overpronation is a common problem that can lead to injuries such as shin splints and tendinitis, as well as throw off your hip and back alignment.
Running Shoes for Flat Feet
If you have low arches, you can help prevent injuries by wearing running shoes with plenty of arch support and motion control. A variety of women's running shoes offer these features, giving your feet extra cushioning under the arches and helping to restrict excessive pronation. Also seek out shoes that are high in stability, recommends The Running Advisor website, as well as shoes with a straight instead of curved shape. These running shoes may appear more boxy than other shoe models, but they offer extra support and guidance for your feet when you run.
Considerations
In addition to searching for running shoes for your foot type, you should consider other factors. The amount of distance you run, the type of terrain you run on and any history of injuries you may have should all come into play when you select your shoes. If you regularly run on trails, for instance, a trail running shoe with motion control features and arch supports would be ideal, as trail running shoes offer more cushioning to absorb the shock of running on rough surfaces, as well as extra side support to keep your feet upright despite uneven terrain. If you normally run for a few miles on a treadmill, on the other hand, you can choose shoes that are more lightweight, as treadmills offer extra cushioning. Long-distance runners such as marathoners should choose shoes with plenty of cushioning in the bottom.
Women's Running Shoe Models
Most brands of running shoes offer a women's model with stability and arch support. Some women's shoes for flat-footed runners include the Nike Zoom Structure Triax, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9, Mizuno Wave Inspire 5 and the New Balance 1224. If you still need help locating the right shoes for your foot type, visit your local running store to talk with knowledgeable salespeople who understand running.
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