Differences In The Arches Of Tennis Shoes

Because feet come in all shapes and sizes, manufacturers make tennis shoes with a variety of arch styles. Each arch style is designed to maintain support and stability and prevent pain and injury in your feet as you exercise. For the best advice on how to determine the best athletic shoes for your arch type, visit a podiatrist or running shoe store.

Overpronation

If you overpronate when you walk, run or participate in sports, your foot tends to roll inward as your heel strikes the ground. Individuals with this condition benefit from more stable athletic shoes. Stability shoes offer a blend of support, cushioning and durability. These shoes are of an average weight and help to keep your foot in a neutral position as you participate in physical activity.

Supination

Supinators have a tendency to roll their feet outward each time the heel strikes the ground while walking, running or jogging. As a result, the arch and structure of your shoes should be flexible and cushioned, and work to absorb shock with each step you take. Lightweight athletic shoes tend to be the most flexible in their arches. In addition, shoes should have stability and cushion to help reduce the occurrences of pain in your feet.

Flat Feet

Having flat feet essentially means you have no arch in your foot. If you were to step on a sheet of paper with wet feet, the entire image of your foot would be present. There would also be no curve between your big toe and the heel of your foot. Individuals with flat feet need an athletic shoe that helps to control the motion of the foot and is cushioned. Individuals with flat feet may also consider the use an orthotic insert in your tennis shoes. This orthotic can help relieve pain and pressure placed on different areas of the foot as you participate in physical activity.

High Arches

If you have high arches, they are probably very noticeable. You will notice a very defined arch between your heel and the ball of your foot. Your footprint will have a very large curve in it. There may also be an actual gap in your footprint. Individuals with high arches need a shoe with a cushioned arch. Cushioned shoes provide minimal added arch support, which is beneficial for people who already have high arches. You can also opt for a lightweight training shoe provided you have good stability in your feet. These shoes will also you to run fast and maneuver quickly.

Neutral Foot Arch

If you have a neutral foot arch, your foot is somewhere in the middle of being flat-footed and having a high arch. You will have a noticeable curve in your footprint. However, this curve will likely curve inward no more than one inch. With a neutral foot, you have a wide variety of shoe types to choose from. Opt for a lightweight running shoe, a shoe with cushioning if you are on your feet a lot or a stability shoe if you have had prior foot or ankle injuries.