Neat science experiment to determine your foot type.

The evening before last I posted an article on different shoe types and how to select them, well frankly in retrospect, I committed a blunder.

As I was re reading it, I stumbled onto the fact, that in all likelihood, I might have pulled the trigger on it to early... and should have released this little essay first. One of the main problems, I discuses within said article, is the fact that each foot has a type. Each time you plant your self on the ground, your weight and height is distributed differently, as such sport companies have come up with different apparels that helps us with this situation.

Pronation, Overpronation, Supination… truthfully if you haven’t the foggiest clue as to what they are, I might as well be speaking in tongues… When you hear them for the first time, it sounds almost, as if I’m shouting the name’s of different Transformer types.

In reality this are the 3 classifications in which science and medicine has determined are foot strike fits. Depending on which category you fit in, you might be prone to injury during your training sessions.

There are a great deal of methods to find out were you fit in all this Mombo Jumbo… An orthopedic doctor can easily determine your foot type and prescribe different soles to help you on you’re way. A sport doctor can also do the former and go one more step, and give you advice on which shoe to buy… or you might like the more futuristic choice and have a machine, especially design for this purpose, figure it out (Most can be found in special sport stores).

Now if you are like me and simple do not have the time, nor inclination to go through al does ordeals. There is: THE WET TEST.

It simple really, wet your feet in a tub, or a retainer of some sort (bucket, pan, pond, etc)… and take a simple step on a thick blank piece of paper. Wait a second, and quickly step off and look down.

Now take a gander at this little chart I have constructed (if you want to pick a shoe, find yourself on this other chart… simple right:

Shoes, SHOES Everywhere… which to choose? A guide for Runners

There are certain topics that are taboo among runners and racing enthusiasts, each athlete, whether professional or amateur has a recipe for a great and enjoyable run. Mp3 or no Mp3? What to eat? Where to run? Etc ... but there is no issue more sacred to him that his shoes... in many ways it is the Holy Grail of a RUNNER, finding the perfect shoe.

For many, just starting in this sport, this in itself is a topsy turvy search and everyone has their own secret formula. ... most will try to sell you on their brand, and God have pity on your soul and you commit the cardinal sin: Going to a store and expecting reasonable assistance from a salesperson.

Anecdote time: the first time, I ran was with some old Converse All Stars, by the end of the week, I had the Chuck Taylors destroyed and my legs in constant pain ... as such I decided to go buy a decent pair of trainers ... Second mistake: I ended up buying basketball sneakers which boiled my feet... so I am well aware of the anxiety such a quest can produce.

Each company has their perfect tool, that little quizmo, they swear will make all your wet dreams come true… this is false, it is a personal choice perhaps you lean towards blonds not brunettes or you are more of a redhead kind of person… it all in the pursuer’s mind and taste.

Before approaching the chart that I designed bellow ... I'll lay down some facts to consider before buying any shoes.

1. Weight matters, the more weight you have, the more cushioning your knees and legs will need, so if you have an issue... my humble suggestion is to opt for more cushioning.

2. Don’t loose your mind with the fact that each company puts a number after their brand or model ... it simply means the generation of that shoe ... in other words how many years have transpired since they were released ...

3. There is NO one shoe pair, for all occasions ... maybe one day you face the task of running 50km, another you have an adventure race, or just need some simple training shoes ... they all have their purpose and were made specifically to meet that goal.

4. Try to have at least 2 pairs, so you may exchange between them and thus give them time to recover some of their cushioning ....

5. Always try to buy a pair with air chamber is not exposed, because although they look "cool" at the end this added accessory may damage easily.

6. Discover what kind of tread you have:

- Normal (pronation)

- Overpronation

- Supination.

And finally its time to pay up and give forth what i promised in the first place. I hope this chart helps guide the pro and more importantly the rookie in finding the perfect tool for the job at hand

Graphic design Johanna Pizlo