The Right Running Shoe for Your Foot

Prevent workout injury by choosing the right shoe for your foot shape.

From the editors of FITNESS magazine

If you run two or more days a week, running shoes are a must. To find one that suits you, try this test from Stephen Pribut, past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Wet your bare feet, step on a paper bag, and match your print to the following:

If your print is C-shaped (supinator):

There's little or no print between forefoot and heel, thanks to your high arches.
Look for: a shoe with a curved or semicurved sole, plus lateral stability features to prevent excessive outward rolling of the foot, which can lead to ankle sprains and other injuries.

If your print is brick-shaped (pronator):

Nearly all of or the entire sole leaves a mark, a sign of being flat-footed, which can lead to injuries such as shin splints.
Look for: a motion-control shoe with a straight-shaped sole and firm materials on the inner side of the midsole to keep it from sinking inward as your foot lands.

If your print is classic foot-shaped (neutral):

Connected fairly evenly from forefoot to heel; generally means less injury risk.
Look for: a blend of cushioning and stability features with a semicurved sole.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, October 2006.