Get a Motion Control Running Shoe if You Have
Low Arches or Flat Feet
The motion control running shoe is made for the
severe pronator. A person who pronates rolls the foot inwards (towards
the big toe) during the transition from heel to forefoot. Also inherent
in a pronator's step is the slight fall and rebound of the arch, much
like a spring. This is the body's natural shock absorbing system that
helps protect itself from the impact when the foot hits the ground. The
average person is indeed a pronator. However, there are a few people who
do this excessively and they need a motion control shoe which gives
maximum support.
People who need motion control shoes typically
have low arches or flat feet. Their arches are extremely flexible, so
the relatively high impact of running makes their feet pronate severely,
past a point that is considered normal or healthy.
The extreme angle of a severely over pronated
foot makes the rest of the body unbalanced, putting lots of strain on
the ankles, knees, hips, and the back. If uncorrected, the high
level of stress caused by this instability can break the body down
rapidly. Thus, severe over pronators are much more susceptible to
injuries related to overuse (i.e. runner's knee, IT band syndrome,
plantar fasciitis, etc.).
Just like a standard stability running shoe, a
motion control running shoe is designed to stop over pronation. But
motion control running shoes have much more corrective features. For the
average person, the stability in a motion control shoe could be over
bearing and unnecessary. For a severe over pronator, however, it's a
dream come true. These shoes feature a much longer and taller medial
post (found in stability shoes also, it is a dense piece of foam under the
arch, on the big-toe side of the shoe) to provide stronger resistance
against pronation. While the average shoe is built on a semi-curved
platform, motion control shoes are built on a straight platform to help
guide the foot down a straighter pathway.
To learn more about how motion control shoes differ from other shoe types,
read my article about how to
choose running shoes.
If you are looking to make a switch to motion
control shoes, I've provided my list of favorites below, followed by
some other good choices.
Whenever possible, I add the following
notations where appropriate to help you get your ideal fit.
- Standard - for people weighing under 150
pounds.
- Advanced - for people weighing over 150 pounds.
- Performance - for speed workouts and
racing. The more you weigh the shorter the distance you should be
running in these types of shoes.
- Trail - for off road running (i.e. through
dirt, loose gravel, mud, water, etc.).
My Favorites
ASICS Gel Evolution series - Advanced
New Balance 1011 - Advanced
ASICS Gel Foundation series - Standard
Nike Cesium series - Performance
Other Running Shoe Links
How to Choose Running Shoes
Based on Your Foot's Structure
How to Buy Running Shoes Based on Shoe Design
The Basics on How to Fit Running
Shoes
Running Shoe Fit Tips - The Odds and Ends
When to Replace Running
Shoes
Neutral / Cushion Running Shoes
Stability Running Shoes
Motion Control Running Shoes
Best Running Shoe Recommendations
Top Running Shoe Models by Brand
ADIDAS Running Shoes
ASICS Running Shoes
Brooks Running Shoes
Etonic Running Shoes
Mizuno Running Sneakers
New Balance Running Shoes
Nike Running Shoes
Pearl Izumi Running Shoes
Reebok Running Shoes
Saucony Running Shoes
Spira Running Shoes
Trail Running Shoes
Winter Running Shoes
Barefoot Running Shoes
Cheap Running Shoes
Wide Running Shoes
Running Shoe Insoles
Helpful Links
Homepage of eRunningTips.com
Benefits to Running
Beginners Running Guide
Proper Running Form
Running Heart Rate Zones
Interval Running Guide
Tempo Running
Improving Running Cadence
Creating a Weight Loss Running
Program
How to Choose Running Shoes
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Online Running Stores
Running in Cold Weather
Hot Weather Running Advice
Prevent
Running Cramps |
