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What type of running/ walking shoe should I buy?

This is a difficult question as I have not seen your feet, and shoe manufacturers change and redesign their products constantly. It is helpful to know your foot type and it is best to try on and buy shoes towards the end of the day, as feet tend to be swollen at this time. Remember, running shoes can be used for walking, but walking shoes cannot be used for running. These are general guidelines:

• If you have a low arch, flat foot type you will have a tendency to overpronate (rolling foot inward excessively). A motion control or stability running shoe may suffice.
• If you have a normal foot, landing on the heel and pronating slightly (leaving a full footprint in the sand), you may do well with a stability shoe.
• If you have high arches, extreme supination, lacking shock absorption and wearing shoes out along the outer portion of the heels (tilting heel inward), you will do well with a shoe providing good shock absorption or cushioning.

Choosing correct shoes is very important as this reduces the chance for injuries. If you have flat arches (overpronate), you are more at risk for overuse injuries as it is. However, with correct shoes you can reduce your risk of injury.

Remember that your shoes need to be changed every six months or 400-600 miles.

Running and walking shoes lose the ability to absorb shock with use and after 600 miles you may as well be running barefoot, which I do not recommend. Physical therapists treat many foot and ankle problems and many are related to incorrect biomechanics down the kinetic chain from the hip and knee to the foot and ankle. Proper footwear is always a part of the solution, so choose your shoes wisely. Call for your preferred appointment today - Corvallis Sport and Spine Physical Therapy.