Then you have flat feet. Okay, so what does that mean? This foot type is usually an indication of the excessive inward roll of the foot after heel strike commonly referred to as overpronation. The arch collapses too much which may cause overuse injuries. This foot type is best suited for Stability shoes or in some cases, motion control shoes. All of the major manufacturers make these type of shoes, just go to a running store.
Well then, what if your foot looks like this?
Then you have what is known as a high arch. This type of foot does not overpronate at all, so its not an effective shock absorber. This is the least common foot type. Lack of pronation is generally called supination or under-pronation. The High-Arched Foot is best suited for Neutral Cushioning shoes.
Finally, what you have a foot that looks like this?
Then, you have a "normal" foot. After heel strike, this foot type will pronate or roll inward slightly to absorb shock. This is the most common foot type. This foot type is best suited for Stability shoes that use support devices such as dual density midsoles and medial posts for mild overpronation.
Another factor for the runner to be aware of is wear on the sole of the shoe. This is an indicator of the amount of supination or pronation you have. For example, looking at the bottom of an old running shoe, the left one. Is there wear on the left side of the heel and more wear on the right side of the shoe near the ball of the foot? This is indicates pronation, the foot hits heel first then rolls towards the ball of the foot. The amount of pronation determines whether the person should be using a motion control shoe or a stability shoe. Where the wear is on the left heel and the left side on the ball of the foot for the left shoe, that would mean the runner is "supinating" with little or no roll of the foot. The foot is rigid and needs maximum cushioning from a neutral cushioned shoe.
So, is it the shoes? Well maybe. Does brand matter? Nike? Addidas? Saucony? which is the best?
The answer is there is no "best" shoe. There is only the best shoe for you. See what kind of foot you have and go shopping and try out shoes. DO NOT BE LOYAL TO A BRAND!!!!
It doesn't matter if Michael wears Nike. If Nike doesn't make the shoe that is right for you, do not wear it! Wear the shoes that are comfortable and fit your type of foot. Avoid injuries and wasting money on shoes that will hurt your feet.
Once you find a shoe that works for you, buy more than one pair. Shoe companies change styles every six months to a year, so your perfect shoe will not be in the stores after a certain period. The upside of this is that if you can find the shoes, they should be cheaper than the first pairsyou bought simply because they are last years model. Try to avoid peer pressure. What works for your friend, cousin, boyfriend etc. may not work for you. For your first pair of serious shoes, get them at a running store. NOT A DEPARTMENT STORE, NOT ON-LINE, but from a TRAINED PROFESSIONAL AND A SERIOUS RUNNER. The ultimate is a store that has an imprint device that will determine you arch type and gait (how your foot moves) and a treadmill to evaluate your stride. Road Runner Sports stores have these devices, but so do many other stores. Walking around the store and saying "these feel comfortable" will not work. Jog down the street or inside the store if the owners won't let you go outside. It is a "running" shoe and you are now a runner, take your equipment seriously.
One last note. The mid sole cushioning and the sole of a running shoe should last from 300-400 miles before the shoe needs to be replaced. Keep track of the shoes milage in a diary (more on the benefits of keeping a diary in another post) or using one of the many on-line diaries, such as www.Runnersworld.com to keep track of the milage.
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