If you're a runner, it's a must to know what type of pronator you are. Pronation refers to the way your foot rolls when it hits the ground, and there are three types: normal pronation, overpronation, and underpronation (aka supination). Figuring out your running pattern will help you buy the right kind of running shoe, which will not only make running more comfortable, but it can also prevent injury. I have made a chart to help you figure out what is going on with your feet when you're running. Let your personal research begin when you read more.
| Normal Pronation | Overpronation | Underpronation | |
| Description | After the heel strikes, the ankle rolls inward slightly and the foot comes down flat and forms a stable platform for the runner to push off from. | After a heel strike, the ankle rolls about 15 degrees inward as the foot makes contact with the ground. Then the runner pushes off with the big toe. | After the heel strikes, only the outside edge of the foot hits the ground. Then the runner pushes off from the outer toes. |
| Type of Arch | Usually have normal arches. | Usually have low or flat arches. | Usually have high arches. |
| Wear on sole of sneaker | Even wear along the heel and front of the foot. | Wear on the heel and inside of forefoot. | Wear on the outside edges. |
| Recommended Sneaker | Neutral or stability running shoe | Motion control or stability shoe | Neutral running shoe with extra cushioning |
So tell me, which type of pronator are you?
Blumarine
Diesel
Esprit
This is a difficult one for me. If I check my old running shoes, I definitely overpronate on my left foot which makes my achilles tendon kill like no tomorrow while running. I have tried two pairs of stability shoes that are designed for over pronation and they were awful! Even after having my run examined by "professionals" at a real running store, their recommendations (brooks and aasics) were useless in stopping the pain I would get while running.
So I gave up and went to a Footwear USA or some generic place like that, picked up a $35 pair of plain Nike running shoes (far from "good running shoes") and have not had any pain problems ever since.
I'm not sure if maybe I don't overpronate enough to need the stabilizing shoes, but they definitely did not help my feet/ankles at all.
1I underpronate and I'm more of a forefoot striker. The only shoes I've found that work for me are Nike Pegasus -- I immediately destroy the outsoles of most other shoes given the small area of wear. Anyone have other good choices?
2I over pronate big time. i wear orthodics and motion control shoes and these corrective things work.
3I am definitely an underpronater. Superfeet insoles help but I've yet to find a running shoe that I love and I get really bad shin splint!!
4I'm staring at my shoes and still can't tell. Guess that means neutral.
5I was just looking at a similar chart on the Asics site last night.
I'm an under, so I buy the Nimbus. I can't use any of my old Nikes, etc. anymore.
6I'm a big-time overpronator. My feet are built like Fred Flinstone's--wide and flat with barely any arch. I have to have orthotics and a motion-control shoe, which really helps.
7I'll have to check mine out when I get home.
8Definitely overpronate - that's why I always have blisters on my big toe! I don't think I've found a pair of shoes that supposedly corrects overpronation that's worked for me.
9I'm an overpronator. I wear Brooks' Adrenaline GTS with Superfeet insoles--the combo keeps me running without a problem.
10I underpronate, defnitely. I can't wear Nike running shoes, they're just awful for me (too narrow and not enough cushion from my experience). My pair of Asics, however, are heavenly.
I can't recommend them enough; I haven't had any foot or arch
problems since using them.
11Tidal Wave-The shoe might be the start but you probably need to add an insole. Beware of cheap shoes because they don't have supportive midsoles and you will break down the shoe in about a month and have even more pain and more problems. I would suggest trying a pair of Superfeet in your stability shoes because they will help your foots biomechanics work better and should help aleviate some of your pain.
12underpronate. my arch is super high and outer side of my heels seems to control how i walk. saucony are the best!
13I have normal pronation when I run, but when I walk my sneakers always get worn out on the outside part of the heel. I guess that's underpronation?
I always wondered what was up with the weird worn out spots, it drove me nuts!
14under. i think its b/c of my super fat thighs that i walk on the outsides of my feet.
15Definitly overporantion - my feet roll something wicked!
16Over, but I have super, super high arches. I also danced forever and did it while dancing too (bad!).
I've been wearing New Balance for a few years--whichever iteration currently helps with overpronation (I think I'm on 585). Never had a problem with them--they're great!
17I am the same as NiceDriveway... I overpronate, but I have super high arched and danced ballet for 20 years. I, too, LOVE New Balance. I have tried several other brands, but I always go back to NB
18I think I have normal pronation? I strike a couple mm off center (outside) with my heel and roll off in the center or a couple mm inside... def not to one side or the other to any appreciable degree. I totally went and checked my shoes.
I think this is because I have a
"dancers walk" from being in dance for 11 years. Everyone tells me I walk very straight, lol.
I do have super high arches and I wear inserts in all my shoes all the time. If I wear my chucks without then I automatically feel a gap and my knees will hurt, lol.
19I have terrible overpronation. The arch support on my Adidas runners looks like a massive set of jaws!
20Underpronation here, bigtime. I have super-high arches that make pull-on boots a no-go. I took a kinesiology class a couple of years ago and we did gait analysis on each other at the end of the semester. It was pretty interesting, there was only one guy in the class who didn't have anything abnormal with his gait!
21I overpronate. Sports shoes aren't a problem because there are so many different types available for different types of feet, it's casual shoes I have a problem with! No cute ballet flats for me.
(Unless I know I won't have to walk too much in them, shhh!) I have orthotics but if I put
them in shoes like ballet flats the shoes won't stay on my feet.
22Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.