Running shoes come in all shapes, sizes and designs. Each pair are specific to a different foot type. It's important to choose a running shoe design according to your foot type. In this article we will try to help you determine what foot type you have.

Generally speaking there are three kinds of feet. Below we outline the three different kinds of feet commonly seen and the kind of shoes that are appropriate for each of them.

High Arched Feet

In this foot type the arch is very high. It is unmistakable, but if you are in doubt, just push your fingers under your arch while keeping your foot is firmly on the ground. Your fingers should be able to go half way through the underside of your foot. If you observe your foot prints, it will have a prominent heel and toe mark, but very little in between. The curve at the center of the foot is so great that it extends almost to the other side of the foot.

The problem with high arched people is that the foot will tend to under-pronate, which means that the foot will have a tendency to turn outward when you run. When you run long distances, the arches will tend to break a little causing your foot to extend in length. If you are a high arched foot type person, you should look to get shoes that have are in the neutral shoe category.

Flat Feet or Low Arch

This foot type is the opposite of high arch and has almost no arch at all. The footprint will not look like a normal one but will look a little smudged. Low arched feet have the tendency to over-pronate which is the tendency of the foot to turn inwards when you run.

If you have flat feet, it is advisable that you go for orthotics shoes, which are custom made. Orthodics will provide the extra support needed. Words like "Motion Control" are what you look for in your running shoes.

Normal Feet

If you are somewhere in-between the above two extremes, you have a normal foot. Most of us have normal feet, but with varying levels of the arch. Thus if you have a higher arch, go for a more comfortable and neutral shoe, while if you have a negligible arch go for one that gives you a little more support. There are lots models to choose from, so try on many pairs to make sure you get the one that's most comfortable for you.

As a runner, you need to make sure our feet are taken care of. Any damage to your foot should be avoided at all costs. If it's only a matter of getting the right kind of shoes, take the time to make sure that you do.