Your feet type in 4 easy steps
A SIMPLE TEST TO KNOW YOUR FEET TYPE!
Most people would have ever dealt with foot problems in their lifetime, may it be splinters, blisters, or just general soreness. Know that you are not alone! It may be painful and embarrassing at times, but did you know that most of the foot problems that we face in our life are simply the result of not knowing our feet’s needs, a lack of care, or neglect?
Thus, let’s start by understanding our own two feet!
Most likely, your feet are going to fall under 3 different categories depending on their arch, they are commonly classified as pronator, neutral, or supinator. Here’s how you can tell which type your feet fall under.
If you want to know what type of arch your feet have, do a very simple test at home known as the ‘wet foot test’:
- First, put a piece of paper or newspaper on the floor;
- Second, slightly wet the sole of your feet;
- Third, step onto the paper. You will notice that your feet will have left wet footprints;
- Lastly, compare the footprints you see with the diagram below to determine if you have a high, medium, or low arch.
Now let’s figure out what this means!
Low arch: The pronator type rolls far inward during the weight-bearing phase of the stride. This foot type is characterized by a very low or flat arch.
Normal arch: The neutral type of foot is between the pronator and supinator types. It is the most common foot type. Runners with a neutral type of foot land on the heel and roll forward during the gait cycle until the impact is distributed evenly across the forefoot.
High arch: The supinator type of foot restricts the impact of the stride largely to the outer edges of the foot. This is often due to a very high, rigid arch.
So now that you know your type of feet, what can you do to facilitate your feet’ needs and keep them injury-free?
- As for flat-footed people, find a shoe that is stable and sturdy. One that does not have a bend on the arch. You want to find something that has some level of arch support built-in because it makes more contact. Find proper footwear first, and then if you have problems, find insoles or orthotics to help give you that extra layer of comfort. Remember it is best to consult with a trained professional before making any habit changes.
- For those of you with a normal /neutral type of foot, the best shoes for you are ones that are stiff because shoes that move too much put pressure on the ball of your feet. The back of the shoe should be firm enough for stability. This means that shoes with firm midsoles and straight to half-curved lasts are the best options!
- For a high arch foot with excessive supination, look for cushioning to compensate for your lack of natural shock absorption. Usually high-end shoes have a build-in cushioning inside the sole, you can feel the difference while wearing them for long hours. A proper snug fit and a curved last may also help in some cases.
We hope these easy tips will help you better understand your feet type and find the right shoes for you! Enjoy!