Foot Types

This is the starting point for the correct choice of a running shoe. Ideally you will visit Northern Runner where a member of staff will be able to assess your foot type both easily and quickly.

If you cannot visit the shop then we suggest carrying out what is known as the wet foot test. Simply wet the soles of your bare feet and stand on a smooth surface, then observe the shape left by your feet. The height of your arch will determine the shape you have left on the surface and should correspond to one of the three types below:

		Neutral This is the ideal foot type, though not the predominant one, and results from a high arch. Such runners require no medial support in their shoes and are best suited to a neutral shoe. Those with very high arches who run on the outside of their forefoot also need a neutral shoe.
		Mild Overpronator This is the most common type and shows an arch which is slightly dropped, requiring a shoe with some medial support in order to prevent overpronation[the tendency of the foot to roll inwards]. This is the stability category.
		Severe Overpronator We work closely with a podiatrist and base our guidance to customers on training from this source. We therefore always advise orthotic wearers to choose a neutral running shoe in order not to affect the prescription of the orthotic. If you wear orthotic insoles we suggest bringing them with you when trying shoes.

Orthotic Wearers
We work closely with a podiatrist and base our guidance to customers on training from this source. We therefore always advise orthotic wearers to choose a neutral running shoe in order not to affect the prescription of the orthotic. If you wear orthotic insoles we suggest bringing them with you when trying shoes.