Athletic Shoe Buying Guide 4 Type of Feet by DealDeluxe

The Normal Foot
Normal feet have a regular-sized arch and will put down a wet footprint that has a flare, but shows the forefoot and heel linked by a broad band. A normal foot strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards a little to absorb shock. It's the foot of a runner who is mechanically efficient and as a result doesn't need a motion control shoe.

• Best shoes: Stability shoes with moderate control features.

The Flat Foot
This has a short arch and puts down a print which looks like the entire sole of the foot. It typically indicates an overpronated foot - one that strikes on the exterior of the heel and rolls inwards (pronates) greatly. Over time, this can be the source of many unusual types of do to excess injuries.

• Best shoes: Motion control shoes, or high stability shoes with firm midsoles and control features 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 stamp showing a extremely narrow band or no band at all between the forefoot and the heel. A curled, highly arched foot is commonly supinated or underpronated. since it doesn't pronate enough, it's not generally 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.