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    Running Right

    Published on June 15th, 2015

    The summer is always a great time to go running outside, whether it be by the lake, in your neighborhood, or in one of the many marathons offered in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. While an excellent workout, running can cause strain on your feet, leading to unwanted pain or injuries. One of the best preventative measures you can take is to buy the right kind of running shoes based on your foot type and how you run.

    The first thing you have to look at is your pronation while you run. This can be done simply by looking at the wear on the bottom of your running shoes. Over-pronation can be identified with wear on the inner portions of the balls and heels of your shoe, while under-pronation is shown through wear on the outer parts. Neutral pronation, which is ideal, has wear consolidated to the ball of your foot and a small portion of the heel.

    From this, there are different types of running shoes that work for how you pronate as well as how your foot is shaped. If you are a neutral pronator, cushioned, performance-training or racing shoes are the best for you. Cushioned shoes are particularly good for anyone with a higher arch, whereas performance-training or racing shoes are better for a fast runner with no injuries. With under-pronation, cushioned shoes are suggested because of the extra support. If you are an over-pronator, motion control or stability shoes are likely the best fit. Motion control shoes are recommended for moderate to severe over-pronation or people with flat feet, whereas stability shoes are better for mild to moderate over-pronation.

    Separate from pronation, understand where you will be running. Trail shoes are always recommended if you’ll be on bumpy terrain, hiking, etc., no matter what your pronation style is. Make sure to break in your new running shoes before going on a long run and don’t exercise barefoot! Following these tips will hopefully help you pick out your next pair of running shoes with ease.

     

    Courtesy of: Runner’s World

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