Everybody has different feet and different needs, so there is no one best running shoe.
Shoes are divided into three main groups – cushioned, stability and motion control and it depends on your biomechanics as to which you need. Biomechanics is the three-dimensional motion that occurs in the foot upon contact with the ground, and includes how muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together to produce movement. The terms used to describe these movements are pronation and supination. But how to you know which category you fall into for the right shoe and fit?
Ideally the preferable option is to visit a biomechanics or Sweatshop to get tested. However the self-test, which is sometimes known as a wet test, is a good substitute. Take the shape of your wet footprint on a dry floor or paper then match it to one of the images below:
The Normal Foot
Normal feet have a normal-sized arch and will leave a wet footprint that has a flare, but shows the forefoot and heel connected by a broad band. A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards slightly to absorb shock. It's the foot of a runner who is biomechanically efficient and therefore doesn't need a motion control shoe.
Best shoes: Stability shoes with moderate control features.
The Flat Foot
This has a low arch and leaves a print which looks like the whole sole of the foot. It usually indicates an overpronated foot – one that strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards (pronates) excessively. Over time, this can cause many different types of overuse injuries.
Best shoes: Motion control shoes, or high stability shoes with firm midsoles and controlfeatures that reduce the degree of pronation. Stay away from highly cushioned, highly curved shoes, which lack stability features.
The High-Arched Foot
This leaves a print showing a very narrow band or no band at all between the forefoot and the heel. A curved, highly arched foot is generally supinated or underpronated. Because it doesn't pronate enough, it's not usually an effective shock absorber.
Best shoes: Cushioned (or 'neutral') shoes with plenty of flexibility to encourage foot motion. Stay away from motion control or stability shoes, which reduce foot mobility.
