Question: How Do I Find Out What Kind of Walking Shoe to Buy?
If you don't live in driving distance of a serious athletic shoe store, how do you know which type of walking or running shoes to buy to match your foot type? How do you know if you overpronate, have high arches, etc.?
Answer:
Look at how you have worn down your old shoes. This can tell a shoe fit expert whether you overpronate, have a neutral gait, or underpronate (supinate). That determines whether you need a motion control shoe, a neutral shoe or a stability shoe. Bring your old shoes with you when shopping for new shoes.
Foot Solutions
Your Shoe Wear Pattern Says a Lot
Shoe Wear Pattern PhotosLook at how you have worn down your old shoes. This can tell a shoe fit expert whether you overpronate, have a neutral gait, or underpronate (supinate). That determines whether you need a motion control shoe, a neutral shoe or a stability shoe. Bring your old shoes with you when shopping for new shoes.
Pronation and Supination: Our explanation of how to detect whether you overpronate or supinate. Pronation: Excessive wear on the inner side of your running shoes. Your shoes will tilt inward if you place them on a flat surface. Supination: Shoes wear on the entire outside edge, with the side of the shoe becoming overstretched.
Find the Serious Running Shoe Store in Your Area
The first and best answer is to find a serious running shoe store where they will do the work right - watch you walk or run, look at the wear pattern on your current shoes, and determine what type of shoe you need. Use the list of Specialty Running Stores from Runnersworld.com. These stores have staff who are experts in fitting athletic shoes and generally have a generous return policy with the aim to get you into the right shoes and make you a lifelong customer.Pedorthists
If there is no specialty running store in striking distance, look for a pedorthist or podiatrist. The Foot Solutions chain aims to fit problem feet and use computerized diagnostics to do it. The analysis is free, and you will learn about pronation, arch support, etc.Foot Solutions
Online Shoe Fitting Help
If there is no store or expert near you, you can use online tools to help determine what kind of shoe is best for you.- Runner's World Explains Shoe Types: This handy Shoe 101 helps you diagnose which type of shoe you want.
- Roadrunner Sports Shoe Dog: Input your gender, weight, injury status, arch type, running/walking mechanics, number of days you walk/run per week, miles per week, pace and surface to get a list of recommended shoes.
- Runner's World Shoe Finder: Once you have determined which type of shoe you want, use this finder to locate the best by brand and price.
- Best Shoes for Walkers: My top picks lists of athletic shoes of each type for walkers.
- How to Find Wide Shoes
