Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Janice and Alice were best friends. And like almost all best friends, they did their shopping together. However, running shoes used to be shopped for, separately. Alice being flat footed needed different running shoes. She did a lot of research about what kind of running shoes should she opt for. So, she was certain to buy specific running shoes for flat feet. Being a woman of taste, she only preferred the best running shoes for her feet. How did she identify the best running shoe for flat feet? Let's see...

Overpronation: Most people with flat feet are considered to be overpronators. So it is required that you understand pronation before you get to the running shoes for flat feet. Overpronation means that while running the feet roll inwards. In fact, they will roll inwards while walking, as well. There are basically 3 types of overpronation:

• Severe Overpronation: In this condition the heel will hit the ground first and the foot will roll inwards. The entire shock is taken by the heel and the ankle cannot balance the foot. There are major chances of accidents and injuries due to excess pressure and stress.
• Mild Overpronation: In this condition, the heel hits the ground first. However, the inward rolling of the foot is relatively less. The ankle cannot balance the foot completely. There are chances of injuries and accidents in this case, as well.
• Neutral: This condition means that there is perfect pronation. This is a very rare case for flat footed people.

Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet - General:

• The Chosen One: These shoes will be specifically marked flat feet. You need to specifically ask for running shoes for flat feet. They mostly come in a different range.
• Added Support: Mostly, the running shoes for flat feet will be with "added support". They will clearly state on the packing that they have added support. One needs to keep an eye out for that, as flat feet require more support as compared to others.
• Single Layer: Most running shoes come with several layers of padding for comfort. However, the running shoes for flat feet will have a single layer of padding and not much curvature. This is to keep the overpronation in consideration, as well.
• Balancing Act: As overpronation leads to improper balance, the running shoes for flat feet will help you maintain the right balance. They will provide the right support, so that the ankle also stays in balance. So, when buying, keep an eye out for the balance.

Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet - Women:

• Weight Loss: The running shoes for women, needs to be as light weight as possible. This is, simply to make sure that undue pressure is not put on the feet or the leg muscles.
• Shock Factor: There needs to be appropriate shock absorption in the running shoes for flat feet. This is because, due to overpronation, most of the shock is taken by the heel, leading to injury. As such, the shoe should help in absorbing the shock and prevent injuries.
• Ventilation: It is mostly preferable to have some breathing space in the running shoes for flat feet, to avoid suffocation. Women often face skin allergies due to suffocation of the feet. So, these shoes should give some breathing space, so that the skin is saved from allergies.
• Cushioning: Due to overpronation, the feet often feel a lot pressure on the ankle and heel. The running shoes for flat feet need to have adequate cushioning and added support. This helps to 'cushion the blow' and relieve some of the unneeded pressure.

Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet - Men:

• Right Weight:The running shoes for men need not be light weight as such, however, it is strongly suggested that you don't go for heavy running shoes for flat feet. Many brands have heavy weighted shoes. Avoid these shoes as they may put undue pressure on the leg, in general.
• Pronation Specific: As overpronation is more severe for men, the running shoe for flat feet must be appropriate for the feet pronation type. This should help avoid accidents and injuries.
• Support System: As men prefer more stringent running schedules, the running shoes for flat feet need to provide comfort and support. Again, this will help balance the shock and the pressure.
• So Sweat!: Men tend to sweat more at the feet, especially, if they are runners. So, the running shoes for flat feet need to have breathing space for men. This is required to avoid sweating as far as possible and avoid skin problems that it might cause.

So, I hope you are ready to go buy the perfect running shoes for flat feet. This is where I sign off! Happy running!