Your Foot Type?!?! - A Simple Test To Find Out
Posted June 13th, 2006 at 11:21 AM by Adam Jacobs
Section: Running & Training, Gear & Apparel, Running Shoes
Time to buy a new pair of shoes? Don’t worry - The Final Sprint has all the info you need to help you find that perfect running shoe. All you need to do is the simple water test described below, read Blake’s awesome article entitled “When the shoe fits … wear it!” and you’ll be all set . . .
The right shoe for you depends on whether you are an over, under or normal pronator. This all depends on the height of your arch. I know what you’re thinking . . . “How in the world do I measure the height of my arch?!?” In actuality - it’s quite simple. All you need is a shopping bag, water and a shallow tray or pan.
- Pour a small amount of water in the shallow pan so that it just covers the entire surface.
- Next, slowly lower your foot onto the surface of the water so it
- Step onto the shopping bag or onto any heavy paper (Tip: paper bags from the grocery work best)
- Lastly, check out the mark on the shopping bag and then read below . . .
just wets your sole.
Note: other factors like weight, mileage, etc are also factors - but your foot type is nevertheless the primary component
Normal Arch 
You see about half of your arch? Then your foot has a “normal” pronation (this is most common).
In terms of buying shoes, Runner’s World, you are:
Best suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate arch support (or medial stability). Lightweight runners with normal arches may prefer neutral-cushioned shoes without any added support, or even a performance-training shoe that offers some support but less heft, for a faster feel.
Flat Arch 
See almost your entire foot? Then you are an overpronator.
This is defined by Runners World as meaning:
Micro-second after foot-strike, your arch collapses inward too much, resulting in excessive foot motion and increasing your risk of injuries.
To compensate, check out stability or motion control shoes to reduce pronation, help to prevent injuries and improve your stride.
High Arch 
See very little of your foot? Maybe just your toes, the ball and your heel? Then you are an underpronator (this is the least common).
Runner’s World says the affects of this can be:
Too much shock traveling up your legs, since your arch doesn’t collapse enough to absorb it.
You’ll need to find nerutral-cushioned shoes (Stay away from shoes with ANY stability controls - because this is opposite of what you need!)
Confused by all this? Then make sure to buy your next pair of running shoes at a specialty running store where the employees can help you to identify your foot type and the proper type of shoes for your body type and training regimen.
Resource for Pictures & Content [Runners World Magazine]
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: arch, feet, foot, foot type, pronate, pronator, running shoes, shoes, sneakers, wet test
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The Final Sprint
[…] The easiest way to determine which of these categories your foot falls into is by doing a simple wet test. […]
December 17th, 2006 at 6:10 am