The first step is to know your feet and the easiest way to determine what kind of running shoe your feet need is by using the Wet Test.  The test is done simply by wetting your feet and stepping on a dry surface.  The wet footprint is the determining factor for the type of shoe you might need.  Shoes are split into three groups (cushioned, stability and motion control); and three subgroups (performance training, racing and off-road).  The first group is specific to your biomechanical requirements.  The subgroup is specific to your type of training and terrain. 

What to look for when evaluating your wet footprint? 

You are looking to see what kind of arch your feet display.  Arches can be normal, flat, or high.  The arch of your foot can help you determine the proper amount of stability, motion control and shock absorption required for desired running results and to prevent injuries or pain. 

Footprint Analysis

• Dry space around the arch that is similar to a half circle correlates to a normal foot.
• No dry space, or very little, is indicative to flat feet.  This is a result of overpronation.
• Excessive dry space around the arch identifies a high arch, resulting in underpronation.
• Evaluate the wear of the shoes soles is another way to identify your foot type. If the wear is on the inner side of the shoe you most likely have flat feet, if it's on the outer side, you most likely have a high arch.

More information coming…………