In the past, athletic companies have struggled to come up with ways to cater to both men and women while developing running shoes. With women making up such a large percentage of the running population (53% of 5k races in 2016), these companies are realizing they need to make sneakers specifically for women. Studies have shown that women tend to have smaller heels in comparison to men, which causes them each to have a different foot shape. Men and women also have different Q-angles between their quad muscles and kneecaps, which causes women have larger hips. Pronation occurs as a result, which requires a different type of cushioning for women's shoes compared to men’s.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.