Shoe Fit

The best designed shoes will not do their job if they do not fit properly.

• Don’t just go by size always have your feet measured.
• Fit the shoe to the largest foot.
• Make sure the shoe provides one thumb’s breadth from the longest toe (not always the big toe) to the end of the toe box.
• If you have bunions or hammer toes find a shoe with a wide toe box.
• Women who have big or wide feet should consider buying mens or boys runners which are cut wider for the same length.
• Once you have narrowed down the type of runner you are and your foot type try all options available and take your time.
• It is important to choose a shoe that is designed to support your foot type, there are three main categories of foot types:

1. Neutral (Normal)
2. Pronator (Flat foot)
3. Supinator (High Arched foot)

 Having your feet assessed during standing, walking and running is the best way to determine your foot type. Many specialist shoe stores can assess your feet to determine your foot type.

Alternatively a simple test to determine your foot type is the Wet Test; after a shower with your foot still wet step onto a dry surface and look at your wet footprint. If your foot print does not have a ‘C Curve’ on the inner aspect of the foot print you are likely to be a pronator. If you have a very prominent ‘C-Curve’ on the inner aspect of the foot print you are likely to be a supinator and if it is somewhere in-between you are likely to have a neutral foot.

  

You are likely to be a supinator and if it is somewhere in-between you are likely to have a neutral foot.

  

Neutral Foot Requirements

Ideal shoes should not be designed to support the foot in anyway but should provide good cushioning, comfort and stability.

Pronator Foot Requirements

These foot types require a motion control or stability shoe with a firm mid sole and good arch support. The aim with these shoes is to try and slow down pronation. 

Supinator Foot Requirements

These foot types require a comfort shoe with extra cushioning. The shoe should encourage pronation. Motion control or stability shoes are not appropriate.