Running/Hiking Shoes for Underpronators?

Infi-del

Infi-del

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Hey guys. I was wondering if any of you know where I can find shoes for people who underpronate? I have high arches and have a tendancy to put all the pressure of my stride on the outside edge of my foot. Apparently this is the most uncommon type of step so most shoe makers don't make a model to compensate for it. Most running sites suggest a shoe with extra cushion. But apparently I severly underpronate and the extra cushion doesn't help. What winds up happening is I will actually run my shoes over to the outside over time and it's killing my knees since I run three times a week and like to go hiking on the weekends sometimes. So I was wondering if maybe some of you guys knew of a running/hiking shoe that either has high arch support or perhaps beefed up outter support on the outside edge of the shoe. Thanks in advance for any advise.

Also, does anyone have an experience with the "G-Defy" running shoes? They're supposed to have lots of support and shock absorbing properties. I've never heard of them but read about them in a magazine and thought about giving them a try.
 
I don't know where you are located but I suggest finding a shop that caters to runners such as Fleet Feet.
http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/

They will talk to you about your needs, your injury history, even have you run a little and analyze your gait, look at the wear pattern on your old shoes, and come up with recommendations. At least in my area (Seattle) there are a ton of such shops due to the running boom. If there is a running club in your area contact them and see if they can recommend a shop with knowledgable staff.

Here is another possible resource for you
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/special/0,7889,s6-240-490-0-0,00.html
 
You could try going barefoot! Why get a shoe that you have to conform to? Get one that conforms to you! Vibram's Five Fingered Running shoes. You can get them at REI, but they have a limited selection of styles, but if you have the chance, I'd check them out.
4401341175_d4e742e933.jpg
 
Those are really cool, somber! If I had the extra cash I'd definately try them out, just for fun.
 
Although I have read positive things about the minimalist shoes, I have the impression that they are based on the idea that by reducing protection, feedback increases and your body naturally 'learns' to run with form that reduces pounding and injury. But from reading your post it sounds like you probably need more, not less protection.

I have been thinking about getting some Newtons (minimalist brand) myself to see how they work out, so I'm not anti-minimalist, but the experts I've read warn that this approach is not for everyone.

Here is article from a running mag that I remembered that discusses a case of a guy with somewhat similar issues as yours (too much pressure on outer side of foot).
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=17790

I think it incidentally makes a case why diagnosis over the internet is not the way to go w/ shoes.
 
I'm an underpronator with high arches. Half marathoner. I had to stop running due to severe knee pain. It sidelined me for years as I sought expert shoe advice from Boston to Honolulu. I started running barefoot and the pain completely disappeared. Don't spend money on "barefoot shoes" yet. Just try it for free at a local park or track. If it's for you then you can look into barefoot shoes. I have two pair of FiveFingers and love them. They are like artificial calluses. I still prefer barefoot in parks, but for street and night running I use FiveFingers. Start gradually, you'll need time for your Achilles Tendons to come up to strength. You will be amazed at how powerful your feet become.
 
I read an article by a guy who tried the fivefingers and gave a very positive report. There are special socks with separated toes that you can buy for them. He said that once when using them on a trail he found himself 'tracked' by a couple of guys who saw his footprints and thought it was a Sasquatch.
 
wutitiz said:
I read an article by a guy who tried the fivefingers and gave a very positive report. There are special socks with separated toes that you can buy for them. He said that once when using them on a trail he found himself 'tracked' by a couple of guys who saw his footprints and thought it was a Sasquatch.
Click to expand...

That is funny:D
 
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