What exactly are high arches?  Well, if you take a look at the image below, numbers 0 – 1 are indicative of the condition.  Compare them to the others – 2 being neutral and 3 being flat feet.

Per images 0 – 1, the arches are too high to participate properly in shock absorption and the provision of support.  To compensate for this the runner with high arches has a tendency to roll outward from heel strike to lift off.  This is called underpronation or supination.

You can test yourself for high arches by putting your feet on a hard surface and having a probe with your fingers.  If you notice a lot of space between the heel and the ball of your foot, or you can practically stick a finger or two right through to the other side, then you probably have the condition.  Another check you can perform is to examine the heels of your shoes for wear on the outside.  If there is some, this may be another indication of high arches.  For a more scientific test, however, it’s best to go to a quality running shoe store for a detailed foot type analysis, or visit a podiatrist.

To reduce the risk of injury from running with high arches, it is necessary to buy running shoes specifically designed for the condition.  These will come with excellent cushioning and shock absorption for the heel and arch, and will have layers of padding designed to help spread the load more evenly across the foot as you move through your stride.  They should also be very light in weight and have great flexibility.

Good running shoes for high arches can significantly reduce your chances of injury and make your running experience much more enjoyable.  Don’t let the condition stop you from having a great run.  Just get the right shoes.

Typically, having flat feet means you are number 3 in the picture below.  Compare it to the others – 2 being neutral and 1 to 0 indicative of high arches.

Having flat feet doesn’t mean you can’t run, it just means you have to choose a running shoe specifically designed for the condition.

Pronation is a term referring to how your body distributes weight as you move through your running stride.  Overpronation is when you have a tendency to roll (or rotate) inward from heel strike to lift off.  People with flat feet are usually in this category of overpronation and therefore require a shoe capable of reducing the rolling.  Through their rigidity, motion control running shoes do just that and they also provide great stability.  As far as insoles are concerned (that part of the shoe in direct contact with your feet), they should not be too padded or curved, as this can apply uncomfortable pressure to your flat feet.

These days many specialty sports shoe stores offer detailed foot type analysis, some even include videoing your running action as you run on a treadmill.  This is an excellent way of getting your flat feet assessed for just the right running shoe.  Of course if you have deep concerns about your flat feet and running, you could also consider visiting a podiatrist for expert advice.

Good running shoes for flat feet can make a world of difference to the enjoyment and safety of your run.  There are some great shoes out there and dedicated people to help you find them.

Running down the streets and through the parks of your neighborhood is a great starting point for those new to running.  If you’re lucky, you may live near a river or lake that has a multi-use pathway along side it just perfect for that twilight jog.  However, one form of running not yet talked about on this site, and one which is growing in popularity, is trail running.

Trail running is “off-road” running through rugged terrain such as mountains, hills and forests, often encountering narrow pathways and steep inclines or declines on unsteady ground.  For these reasons, good trail running shoes are vital for your safety and comfort.

As the name suggests, trail running shoes have important differences to road and track running shoes:

• For starters, the soles are much rougher to provide extra grip, as well as being thicker and more rigid.  The thickness is to protect the runner from possible puncture wounds and the rigidity is there to provide increased stability.
• Many shoes for trail running will have a lacing pattern designed to produce a snug, wraparound feel.  This is important when running over uneven ground, as it gives the feet and ankles extra support.
• The outer part of the shoe upper will also be stronger and more durable than your average road running shoe, and will usually consist of breathable combinations of leather and mesh, which are essential in a good trail shoe.

Before buying your trail running shoes, read the important information on the other pages of this website regarding foot type.  Then get yourself down to a good running shoe store for some detailed foot type analysis and try on as many brands as you can while you are there.  Armed with all this knowledge, now shop around on Main Street or online to get the best possible price.

Trail running is an exciting variation on road running and another great way of getting a good cardiovascular (aerobic) workout.  And with a pair of good trail running shoes you can look forward to a safer, more comfortable run.

Vasque Aether Tech Trail Running Shoe (Men’s)

Vasque Aether Tech Trail Running Shoe (Women’s) 

La Sportiva Fireblade Trail Running Shoe (Men’s) 

La Sportiva Fireblade Trail Running Shoe (Women’s)

You don’t have to spend a fortune on running shoes to get something that is right for your foot type.  Cheap, good running shoes are available, but you have to know what to look for and then where to look.  And you also have to be careful of absurdly cheap deals.  Remember the old saying “you get what you pay for.”

Before you decide what type of running shoe to buy, you have to know what foot type you are.  This will basically fit into one of four categories:

0 and 1 = high arches     2 = neutral     3 = flat feet

Initially you can gage this by self examination, with your foot placed on a hard surface and by the use of a probing finger.  But one of the best ways to determine it is to get some expert foot analysis at a dedicated sports shoe store.  Once this is done and you have a good idea of what you are after, you can then shop around and score those good, inexpensive running shoes you deserve.

Obviously the first place you’ll look in is the specialty running shoe store where you got your analysis done.  However, before buying the first shoe they recommend, ask if there is a cheaper brand and then compare the two for comfort and feel.  If you like a particular brand but it seems a bit pricey, ask them if they’ll do a discount for you.  You’ll be amazed at how often this pays off.

Of course you don’t have to buy anything there at all.  Having got your analysis data and your choice of shoe in mind, you can then head off into the wide world looking for the same shoe at a cheaper price elsewhere.  Try a variety of shops if you feel you need the exercise, or just go online where the choice of supplier (and the bargains) is almost endless.  Remember, you’ve already done your research in the shops, so it should be easy to now pick out something at a great price from one of the multitude of online retailers doing good deals on running shoes.

It is certainly possible to buy a pair of cheap, good running shoes, provided you remain realistic in what you are prepared to spend.  After all, you may get something at a bargain basement price, but if the shoe is uncomfortable and worse, causes you an injury while running, then ultimately it will have been a waste of money.  Good hunting!

Montrail Continental Divide Running Shoe (Women’s)

North Face Fire Road Running Shoe (Men’s) 

Montrail Mountain Masochist GTX Running Shoe (Women’s)

Montrail Mountain Masochist Running Shoe (Men’s)

When it comes to injuries from running, both men and women suffer them at a similar frequency.  However, the types of injuries that occur in men can be quite different to those experienced by women.  This is because men’s bodies are different structurally, thus producing a different running technique.  Good running shoes for men are therefore vital to help protect the male form from the types of injuries it can be prone to getting.

There is much more to a pair of good men’s running shoes than stylish lines and masculine colors on the shoe surface.  The shoe’s cushioning and support will be engineered to cater for a taller, heavier form, and the overall width of the shoe will naturally be wider than its female counterpart, particularly in the heel.

Before buying a men’s running shoe, you should have a rough idea of your foot type, which will basically fit into one of four categories:

0 and 1 = high arches     2 = neutral     3 = flat feet

Initially you can gage this by self examination, with your foot placed on a hard surface and by the use of a probing finger.  But the best way to determine it is to get some expert foot analysis at a dedicated sports shoe store.  There they will also be able to determine your foot pronation (how your body distributes weight as you move through your stride).

You may have neutral pronation, overpronation or underpronation (also called supination).  Overpronation means to roll inward from heel strike to lift off, whereas underpronation (supination) is the tendency to roll outward from heel strike to lift off.  Once you know which category you fit into and whether or not you’re an overpronator, underpronator or neutral, the sales assistant will be able to direct you to the brands and models that will best be suited to you.

Just as there are categories of foot type and pronation, so too there are categories of running shoe.  These are: motion control running shoes; stability running shoes; and cushioned running shoes.

Generally speaking, motion control shoes are for people with flat feet or those who tend to overpronate.  They are a more rigid shoe, preventing excessive rotation.

Stability running shoes are typically for runners who have normal arched feet (foot type 2 above) and neutral pronation.  They combine medium cushioning with some rigidity, and of course offer good support.

Cushioned running shoes are for those with high arches and the underpronation that usually accompanies this condition.  The runner typically experiences greater joint shock, thus requiring greater cushioning to absorb it.

So, as you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing good running shoes for men.  Please feel free to continue browsing this site for further useful information.

ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 11 Running Shoes

Mizuno Men’s Wave Alchemy 9 Running Shoes

Brooks Men’s Beast (D Width) Running Shoes

Pearl Izumi Men’s Peak XC Running Shoes

While women suffer a similar frequency of injuries to men when running, the types of injuries can be quite different.  This is due to the fact that women’s bodies are different structurally, thus altering the way they run.  Good running shoes for women are therefore vital to help protect them from the injuries they can be more prone to getting.

With good women’s running shoes, the difference should be more than just feminine colors on the shoe surface and a smaller overall size.  The shoe’s shape should be different, taking into account a woman’s narrower heel and wider forefoot.  Also, women are generally lighter and shorter, and the cushioning and support should reflect this plus the different way women’s feet hit the ground.

Before buying a pair of women’s running shoes, you should have a rough idea of your foot type, which will basically fit into one of four categories:

0 and 1 = high arches     2 = neutral     3 = flat feet

Initially you can gage this by self examination, with your foot placed on a hard surface and by the use of a probing finger.  But the best way to determine it is to get some expert foot analysis at a dedicated sports shoe store.  There they will also be able to determine your foot pronation (how your body distributes weight as you move through your stride).

You may have neutral pronation, overpronation or underpronation (also called supination).  Overpronation means to roll inward from heel strike to lift off, whereas underpronation (supination) is the tendency to roll outward from heel strike to lift off.  Once you know which category you fit into and whether or not you’re an overpronator, underpronator or neutral, the sales assistant will be able to direct you to the brands and models that will be best suited to you.

Just as there are categories of foot type and pronation, so too there are categories of running shoe.  These are: motion control running shoes; stability running shoes; and cushioned running shoes.

Generally speaking, motion control shoes are for people with flat feet or those who tend to overpronate.  They are a more rigid shoe, preventing excessive rotation.

Stability running shoes are typically for runners who have normal arched feet (foot type 2 above) and neutral pronation.  They combine medium cushioning with some rigidity, and of course offer good support.

Cushioned running shoes are for those with high arches and the underpronation that usually accompanies this condition.  The runner typically experiences greater joint shock, thus requiring greater cushioning to absorb it.

So, as you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing good running shoes for women.  Please feel free to continue browsing this site for further useful information.

Montrail Hardrock Running Shoe (Women’s)

Salomon Speed Comp Running Shoe (Women’s)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9 Running Shoe (Women’s)

ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 11 Running Shoes