Find Your Footing: The Best Running Shoes

What's Your Foot Type?

Before you fall in love with these hot sneakers, take a minute to figure out which one will be right for the shape of your foot. The flatter your arch is, the more you pronate (turn your foot inward as you land) and the more you need wobble control in an athletic shoe. "If you can't get your stride examined at a specialty running store, try this simple arch test before you shop," says John Hanc, coauthor of Running for Dummies.

When you're laying out a chunk of change for a sneaker, you want an expert fit. Get one at home with our DIY guide.

You'll need: one brown bag, one baking tray, water

1. Place left foot in a tray of water to get your sole wet.
2. Step onto a brown paper bag, forming a footprint.
3. Find out your foot type by matching the shape on the bag with the descriptions below.

If you see almost your entire foot, you have a flat arch: You need a motion-control shoe.

If you see about half your arch, you have a normal arch: You need a stability shoe.

If you see just your heel, ball and toes, you have a high arch: You need a cushioning, or neutral, shoe.