Your scientific step-by-step guide to buying running shoes – how to avoid injury
Hong Kong physiotherapist and osteopath explain the different types of shoe, the foot types they are intended for, and the most important factor to consider when making a purchase
Should your foot type determine your choice of running shoe?
The short answer: No
Do you have flat feet or high arches? Are you an over-pronator, whose flat feet roll inward too much when you hit the ground while running? If you buy running shoes based solely on your foot profile, you may be doing your body more harm than good.
Knowing your foot type is important and should be considered when shoe shopping, but it should not be the deciding factor, says Cardeux Nel, a Hong Kong-based physiotherapist.
“Buying running shoes that were made for a specific foot profile can cause more injury,” she says. “No athlete’s biomechanics should be overly corrected too quickly because the body needs time to adjust accordingly. Instead, you should opt for shoes that benefit your running style and goals and that possess optimal biomechanics, strength, flexibility and body awareness.”