We call the rotating movement that the foot embarks on when going through steps as pronation. It is this movement which facilitates the dissemination of forces of impact and shock absorption. A person with normal or neutral pronation has his entire foot making contract with the ground as he makes each step.
What is underpronation?
Runners with high arch typically underpronate, which means the outside part of the heel is the first to touch the ground when taking a stride but there is insufficient rolling of the feet inward (less than fifteen percent). As a result, the impact is concentrated on the outer part of the foot. Accordingly, only the smaller part of the outside toes, bear the brunt of the force to push the foot off the ground for another stride. This condition consequently places an undue strain on those toes. The best shoes for underpronation are something that would take lessen the full force on the outer part of the feet as well as correct its insufficient inward rolling.
How does underpronation affects the runner’s performance?
Because of the uneven distribution of the forces of impact on the foot and the consequent concentration of the strain on a part of the toes to provide the spring to push off the feet off the ground, the foot is place at risk to injury. The runner who is an underpronator may experience pain the heel or the arch of the foot. If no immediate treatment is taken in the case of excessive strain or pressure, underpronation can cause heel spurs. An underpronator runner should wear the appropriate running shoes for him to make him comfortable and protect him from injury. To maximize his running experience he should wear the best shoes for underpronation to correct his condition.
Finding the best shoes for underpronation
There are myriad of minimalist running shoes in the market specifically designed for some foot type such as underpronators or overpronators although majority of this footwear are suitable for normal to medium pronators. To be able to find the best shoes for underpronation, you must first conduct a survey of the existing shoe designs in the market. Experts say that minimalist footwear is the best shoe to wear if you want to make your feet and legs stronger in the long run, while avoiding possible injuries that may ensue if you are to continue wearing well-cushioned, heeled running shoes. Hence, to find the best shoe for you, you must look for shoes which feature extra shock absorption, enhanced cushioning and added stability attributes. You may get confuse when you are confronted with a multitude of shoe design that fits your requirements hence we have compiled some highly recommended shoe brands and designs for underpronators to help you out.
The best shoes for underpronators
-
Saucony Women's ProGrid Triumph 7 Running Shoe
1. Saucony ProGrid Triumph 7 – one of the best shoes for underpronation introduced in the market, it boasts of a midfoot support bridge to hold up your arches and utilize a full-length ProGrid technology to redirect impact, allowing for an efficient transition from heel to forefoot.
-
ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 11 Running Shoe
2. Asics Gel-Nimbus 11 – The cushioning of this shoe depends on the gender of the wearer, catering to the different foot needs of males and females. Featuring a forefoot with a silicone-based gel that is meant to soften the impact to your foot and an asymmetrical lacing design for better fit, this is one of the best shoes for underpronators in the market today.
-
Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 13 Running Shoe
3. Mizuno Wave Rider 13 – Boasting of its wave-like insoles which helps disperse impact upon foot strike on the ground. The wave-like support reduces forces of impact, thus protecting the feet from injury.
-
Brooks Women's Glycerin 8 Running Shoe
4. Brooks Glycerin 8 – a breakthrough in running shoes with its “DNA technology” feature which allows for better adjustment to each step and impact. This shoe provides a customize ride for all speeds and sizes since it automatically responds to each gait, diffusing impact and affording protection and comfort with every changes in pace. Moreover, it possess a specially designed full-length midsole made from an environment-friendly material, providing a cushier and softer cushion to the feet.
Whatever your brand or color choices are for your footwear, you must ensure that you only get the best shoes for underpronation if your foot type belongs to this kind, to maximize your running potential and experience.
