Below you will find two options outlining our Custom Shoe Analysis. These options will assist you with determining your shoe type. The ultimate goal of a shoe is to provide the proper amount of arch support and stability necessary to keep all the bones stacked straight up and down from the foot to the ankle to the knee to the hip. The better aligned these bones are, the fewer aches and pains you will experience from exercise and the more enjoyable your workouts will be.
Please review the moving pictures below to see if your arch type corresponds with Motion Control, Stability, or Neutral. To assist in determining your gait type, please perform one of the two following activities.
(Option 1)
In a standing position with bare feet, place your feet 3 – 4
inches apart and parallel. Lock one knee in place and bend the other knee
forward while keeping your heel of your bent knee on the ground. Try to keep
your weight evenly disbursed between both feet. Imagine a vertical line
perpendicular to your toes. Do not let the bent knee pass this imaginary
line. In this position, observe where the center of the knee cap tracks over
the top of toes. Repeat process by bending the other knee.
Motion Control – The center of the knee cap
will align to the inside of the big toe. These people will have strong
inward knee rotation through their gait cycle. These people are susceptible
to having bunions and/or calluses on the inside of the big toe, arch pain,
shin splints, and possibly knee pain from exercise.
Stability – The center of the knee cap will
align over the top of the big toe. These people may still have calluses on
the inside of the big toe and can be susceptible to arch pain, shin splints,
and knee pain from exercise.
Neutral – The center of the knee cap will
align over the second or third toes. These people can be susceptible to
having arch pain, shin pain on front of leg, and knee pain directly below
the knee cap.
(Option 2)
If possible, make two short movie clips of you running. The
first clip should show you running from behind while the second clip should
show you running from the front. The video clips should focus from the knees
down to the shoes. A total of 6 –8 good strides from each position is
preferred. Use your current running shoes and wear shorts. Also, take clear
pictures of the outsoles of your current shoes so we can determine wear
patterns. Separate pictures of each shoe’s forefoot and heel works best.
Submit your movie clip and/or pictures at the space provided
near the bottom of the page. Provide your information, including phone
number, and best times to reach you. We will be happy to review the short
clip and pictures with you and provide suggestions on possible shoe types.
