Feet, like people, come in all different shapes. The different shapes result in the feet functioning in different ways.
In general there are three types of feet: a neutral foot, a high arch foot and a flat foot. These different types of feet have different types of motion and shapes. Running shoes and many walking shoes have now been designed and built with different features to match a particular foot type to help provide the proper support and cushion.
For example, if you have a high arch foot type and purchase a very expensive shoe that was made for a flat foot you will be very disappointed to find that your feet will not be comfortable; they may even become painful because the foot does not match the shoe.
To determine your foot type, you can do an easy test at home. With your feet wet and barefoot stand on a dry floor and look at the imprint your foot makes. If you have a very high arch, the left foot shape will be like the letter C with no foot contact in the arch. A flat foot will be very straight on the sides and have almost complete contact on the entire bottom of the foot. A neutral foot will be in the middle with a slight curve and medium arch contact. Shoe companies have made shoes that match these shapes, and this is called the “last.”
In general, shoes have either a straight last, for a flat foot; a modified last, for a neutral foot, or a curved last, for a high arch foot.
Straight last shoes have more material creating support under the medial column or inside portion of the foot. This is a shoe for a pronated or flat foot. This type of foot needs more support to limit the excessive motion present in a pronated foot.
At the other end of the spectrum is a shoe for a high arch foot. These feet are generally rigid and have a lot of support but lack the ability to absorb the shock of impact well. Curved last shoes are more flexible and have increased cushioning that works well with an underpronated foot or supinated high arch type foot.
A modified last are built in the middle with a shape that is neither straight nor curved but in between the two. This is the most common type of shoe shape found in running shoes.
The running shoe has three main components which are modified to create either a shoe for high arches, neutral arches or flat feet. The upper changes the least but is a breathable material to provide evaporation of moisture. Also in a flat foot, the heel counter in the upper should be very stiff and possibly extended on the medial side of the shoe. The midsole is the next layer down from top to bottom, and this area has undergone the most modifications and advances in technology. Different materials provide different degrees of cushion and stability. Often a manufacturer will mix different materials in the front and back of the midsole to provide more stability in the rear foot and more cushioning in the forefoot under the ball of the foot. Materials in the midsole have varied from gels, to air bags to polyurethane or EVA foams.
The outer sole is also known as the tread. Materials here need durability to prevent early wear and need to be light weight and provide some cushion.
Besides the foot type, the other major consideration to be made when selecting a shoe is the weight of the person. A light weight pronated flat foot person will not need as much motion control as a 220 pound runner.
An example of some running shoes is provided as a starting point only. We advise that people with extremes in foot shape and function should spend the time to visit a knowledgeable reliable shoe store to get proper advice and help to match a foot to a shoe. One such store is Fleet Feet in Syracuse. Extreme pronators with flat feet could look at the Brooks Beast or New Balance 1122. High arch feet could look at Nike Air Structure Triax or Saucony Omni. Neutral feet could try Nike Air Pegasus or Asics Landreth.
Dr. James Farrell is a licensed
podiatrist at the Westside Podiatry Center in Skaneateles. He can be reached at 685-3338
For example, if you have a high arch foot type and purchase a very expensive shoe that was made for a flat foot you will be very disappointed to find that your feet will not be comfortable; they may even become painful because the foot does not match the shoe.
To determine your foot type, you can do an easy test at home. With your feet wet and barefoot stand on a dry floor and look at the imprint your foot makes. If you have a very high arch, the left foot shape will be like the letter C with no foot contact in the arch. A flat foot will be very straight on the sides and have almost complete contact on the entire bottom of the foot. A neutral foot will be in the middle with a slight curve and medium arch contact. Shoe companies have made shoes that match these shapes, and this is called the “last.”
In general, shoes have either a straight last, for a flat foot; a modified last, for a neutral foot, or a curved last, for a high arch foot.
Straight last shoes have more material creating support under the medial column or inside portion of the foot. This is a shoe for a pronated or flat foot. This type of foot needs more support to limit the excessive motion present in a pronated foot.
At the other end of the spectrum is a shoe for a high arch foot. These feet are generally rigid and have a lot of support but lack the ability to absorb the shock of impact well. Curved last shoes are more flexible and have increased cushioning that works well with an underpronated foot or supinated high arch type foot.
A modified last are built in the middle with a shape that is neither straight nor curved but in between the two. This is the most common type of shoe shape found in running shoes.
The running shoe has three main components which are modified to create either a shoe for high arches, neutral arches or flat feet. The upper changes the least but is a breathable material to provide evaporation of moisture. Also in a flat foot, the heel counter in the upper should be very stiff and possibly extended on the medial side of the shoe. The midsole is the next layer down from top to bottom, and this area has undergone the most modifications and advances in technology. Different materials provide different degrees of cushion and stability. Often a manufacturer will mix different materials in the front and back of the midsole to provide more stability in the rear foot and more cushioning in the forefoot under the ball of the foot. Materials in the midsole have varied from gels, to air bags to polyurethane or EVA foams.
The outer sole is also known as the tread. Materials here need durability to prevent early wear and need to be light weight and provide some cushion.
Besides the foot type, the other major consideration to be made when selecting a shoe is the weight of the person. A light weight pronated flat foot person will not need as much motion control as a 220 pound runner.
An example of some running shoes is provided as a starting point only. We advise that people with extremes in foot shape and function should spend the time to visit a knowledgeable reliable shoe store to get proper advice and help to match a foot to a shoe. One such store is Fleet Feet in Syracuse. Extreme pronators with flat feet could look at the Brooks Beast or New Balance 1122. High arch feet could look at Nike Air Structure Triax or Saucony Omni. Neutral feet could try Nike Air Pegasus or Asics Landreth.
Dr. James Farrell is a licensed
podiatrist at the Westside Podiatry Center in Skaneateles. He can be reached at 685-3338
