Runners must endure countless challenges; weather, climate and terrain are a few. People who have extremely low arches, or flat feet, have additional challenges. The foot's arch acts as a shock absorber for the lower leg. Without the help of the arch reducing the impact of running, runners who have flat feet can experience discomfort. The good news is that there are running shoes designed to give added foot support to the runner with flat feet.
Stability Running Shoes
Stability shoes are a standard in the shoe industry. They include running shoes designed to avoid overpronation, or an inward rolling motion, that results from a low arch or flat foot. Most running shoe brands have styles of stability running shoes. Stability shoes have a centered post of dual-density foam. This post is a foam support fixture that is positioned in the center of the sole of the shoe. The makers of stability running shoes use a harder type of foam under the medial or inner side of the arch. For additional stability they may extend the foam support to the heel.
New Balance 1226
The New Balance 1226 was designed for heavier runners who require moderate stability. This shoe stabilizes the foot with lightweight foam to provide a sturdy support system. This running shoe has a "Stabilicore" system, which is an insert made of a harder type of foam that provides added resistance to the runner's arch.
Motion-Control Running Shoes
Motion-control running shoes provide added support for the runner's arch. Unlike the stability shoe, the motion-control running shoe has a special sole unit with an upper construction that actually locks the runner's foot in place to maintain arch support. Some motion-control running shoes are built with a raised arch made of a firm material used to maintain arch position during the run.
Saucony Progrid Stabil CS
The Progrid Stabil CS is Saucony's version of the motion-control running shoe. It is designed to support cases of severe overpronation caused by low and flat arches. Most motion-control shoes have their dual-density support posts in the middle of the sole, believing that is the area that stabilization is most needed. The Stabil CS places the support post along the outer side and down to the forefoot. This gives heavy-duty support against foot and ground impact and weight transition from heel to toe, which happens as the heel lands on the ground and rolls forward until the ball of the foot and toes begin to push off of the ground to begin the next stride.
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