Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : January 10, 2017 10:27 AM IST
To run efficiently, you need to have proper footwear. And to choose the right footwear, you need to know what your foot type is, says Rick Muhr, Endurance and Running Coach, Boston Marathon and Octane Fitness. As most people do not know what type of foot they have, our expert Rick Muhr explains how to know your foot type with a simple technique and how you can choose the right-fitting shoes the next time you go shoe shopping!
Before knowing how to identify your foot type, you must know that there are three types of foot-archs namely high-arched, flat feet and normal (medium-arched). And knowing what type of foot arch do you have, it helps in knowing what type of footwear you need for running and other daily activities. Here's how to buy the right shoes for running, walking, gym workouts and more
One of the simple techniques is to step on a smooth, light coloured towel just after you wet your feet. As you step straight down on it and then off it, you can get a watermark of your foot shape.
How to choose footwear?
If you have a high-arched foot type, then you might need a rigid footwear with adequate cushioning to help absorb the shock while running and walking. When you run, you exert two times your body weight on the feet, which puts pressure on the feet. And this is the reason, why you should opt a footwear that has a natural ability to absorb shock.
If you have a flat foot, then you need footwear that offers more control to your feet when you walk or run. So, while opting one, you should look for footwear that has a midsole which provides support along with cushioning. As you need stability, make sure the midsole is denser as it offers greater stability as compared to those with a soft midsole.
If you have a regular foot type, you need to choose footwear that has lesser stability and has a comparatively softer midsole (and not dense ones) to offer better support and cushion as you run, without exerting much pressure on the feet. Also, read about signs you need new workout shoes.
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