Find the perfect running shoes for your feet! Learn how to match your foot shape with the right footwear for optimal comfort and performance.
With so many designs to choose from, you might not know where to get started. However, it’s essential to choose carefully, because the right pair of running shoes can help you to prevent injury.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to choose the right running shoe type for your foot shape and running style, so you can run in comfort, safety and confidence.
Finding the right pair of running shoes is about more than just picking a design you like. First, you’ll have to find out which style matches your foot type. Read on to find out how.
The first thing to look at is your foot shape. If you don’t know yours, you can do a simple test to find out. It’s called the ‘wet foot test’.
- Pour a thin layer of water into a shallow pan
- Wet the soles of your feet
- Step onto a piece of paper
- Step off and look down at the shape of the footprint
The shape of the imprint on the piece of paper will tell you what type of foot shape you have.
If you can see about half of the arch of your foot, you have a normal/medium arch. If you can see the entire footprint including a full arch, you have a flat/low arch. However, if your footprint has a significant gap in the middle, or only a thin line between the heel and ball of the foot, you have a high arch.
Your gait is your style of walking or running, and refers to how your feet move. This is largely determined by your foot shape. Based on the results of your wet foot test, you can use the following guide:
Low Arch - Overpronation
Pronation means that the arch collapses inward. If your feet turn inwards when you run, you overpronate. This often means that you are more susceptible to injuries due to the excessive motion.
Medium Arch - Neutral
If you have a medium arch, you’re likely to have a neutral gait, which means that when your foot strikes the ground, it rolls inward (pronates) only slightly, creating the right amount of shock absorption.
High Arch - Supination
If you have a high arch, you’re likely to have a supinated gait, which means your foot turns outwards slightly instead of inwards. This results in less shock absorption, and more impact on your legs.
At Decathlon, we have a wide range of running shoes for different foot shapes and running styles. Here’s which each type of runner should look for:
Overpronation - Motion Control
Overpronators should opt for motion control running shoes, which have a stiff heel and a straight shape to keep the foot in the right position.
Neutral Gait - Stability
If you have a neutral gait, you have more freedom of choice when shopping for running shoes. However, it’s always best to choose a model that provides sufficient stability to reduce the risk of injury.
Supination - Cushioning
As those with a supinated gait create more impact when they run, it’s important to choose a running shoe that features cushioning for extra support and shock absorption.
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping! Kalenji, Decathlon’s running brand, has everything you need.
Whether you’re a marathon runner, a trail runner, and ultra runner, or just getting started, you’ll find the right pair of running shoes at Decathlon. Check out our full range of running shoes and socks to get started.