How to Find the Best Running Shoes, According to Dr. J. Todd Cox, a Podiatrist in Prescott AZ

"Don’t let discomfort get you down."

Wearing running shoes that don’t match your foot shape can cause a variety of problems — from stress fractures to tendonitis and much more. As a podiatrist in Prescott AZ, we’re pleased to help you locate the perfect shoe that fits the needs of your feet. Doing so can significantly lessen the possibility of injury, optimizing your fitness performance. Here’s our complete guide to picking out the proper sneakers for your paws. 

First off, examine your arches.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)groups arches into three categories: low/flat, normal, and high.

What each kind needs:

• Low/flat arches require shoes designed for stability and motion control. Sneakers like these prevent “overpronation,” an occurrence where the foot rolls inward and drives the runner’s weight onto the innermost area of the foot.
• Normal arches need neutral sneakers, where the shoe features balanced stability and cushioning to absorb shock. Runners with normal arches consistently hit from heel to toe without rolling onto the outside or inside portion of the foot.
• High arches call for flexible shoes with soft midsoles. These sneakers counteract the lack of shock absorption.

For runners who under pronate — that is, run on the outermost areas of their feet — they need neutral shoes, like athletes with normal arches, but with extra padding.

What brand should I purchase, though?

There are many shoe manufacturers to consider, but as your preferred podiatrist in Prescott AZ, we recommend New Balance, Vionic, Asics, and Superfeet. As always, you may consult with us to ensure your feet receive the best TLC throughout your fitness journey.

Follow these other tips for an even smoother run, thanks to your podiatrist in Prescott AZ.

Remember to grab the proper size for your feet.

While you’re running, your feet often get hot and expand. In that case, wearing too-tight of sneakers may bruise or cause your toenails to fall off (and painful blisters, too). Known as “Jogger’s Toe,” you can avoid this problem by seeing if there’s a thumbs width of space between your longest toe and the front of your shoes.

Check heel stability.

Plantar fasciitis is heel pain caused by inflammation in the ligament between your heel and toes. It’s one of the top reasons why patients visit a foot doctor each year, says podiatrist Megan Leahy from the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. Runners with a low/flat or high arch are most susceptible.

How do you help to avoid it, though? Wear sneakers with secure heels. Confirm this by squeezing the back of the shoe. If it feels firm and doesn’t cave in at your touch, then you’re covered. For older sneaks, purchase a heel cup insert (but we recommend buying an entirely new pair of shoes. You will need fresh ones every 300 to 500 miles, says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., the chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in San Diego, California.)

First and foremost, check in with your podiatrist in Prescott AZ to make sure you’re all set. Nothing is better than that second pair of eyes.

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