200 N. Greensboro St.,  Suite A - 18

Carrboro, NC 27510

919.968.3338

Shoe Fitting

The Shoe

The function of the running/walking shoe is to:

          1: accommodate/control the wearer’s biomechanics

          2: provide shock absorption

          3: protect the foot from the running/walking surface

The average technical running shoe will provide benefits to the runner for approximately  400 to 600 miles of typical use. If the shoe is being used for casual wear or for walking consider changing the shoe after approximately 6 months.

The Foot

Pronation – Is a process of unlocking of the arch which allows the foot to absorb the shock of impact and adapt to terrain.

Overpronation - For most of us the foot “unlocks” too far or too fast, causing the arch to collapse in a way that strains the associated muscles, ligaments, and joints. This can lead to knee pain, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, and foot pain.

Wearing a shoe or insert that is appropriate for your foot’s biomechanics can help prevent injury. It is important to get “fit” appropriately in your shoes to make sure that they are right for your foot type.

Different shoe construction for different foot types

Neutral (or cushioned) shoes – Cushioned shoes generally have the softest midsoles and no additional medial support. People with feet which don’t overpronate often do best in neutral shoes.

Stability shoes – Stability shoes offer a blend of cushioning and medial support to slow down the process of overpronation. Mild to moderate overpronaters do well in stability shoes.

Motion control shoes – Motion control shoes are the most rigid, control oriented shoes. Severe overpronaters typically do the best in motion control shoes.

Cushioning Technologies

All running/walking shoes have a material called EVA in the midsole. EVA is a shock absorbing material. Each running company than adds a supplemental cushioning system to provide additional shock absorption and a “signature feel” ( Ex: Nike air, Asics gel).