WHAT IS PRONATION, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Pronation is part of the natural movement of the human body and refers to the way your foot rolls inward for impact distribution upon landing. Understanding your pronation type can help you find a comfortable running shoe.
- Underpronators (supinators) need a lot of cushioning to avoid impact injuries
- Neutral pronators can wear a wide variety of shoes
- Overpronators should look for support or structured cushioning shoes
- How your foot contacts the ground: The outer side of the heel hits the ground at an increased angle with little or no normal pronation, causing a large transmission of shock through the lower leg.
- Push Off: pressure on smaller toes on outside of foot
- Injuries: plantar fasciitis, shin splints, ankle strain
- Foot type: high arches
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR PRONATION TYPE
TAKE A PRONATION TEST
Video Gait Analysis During a video gait analysis, a video is taken of a runner's feet while they running on a treadmill. The video footage is slowed down and analysed in detail by an ASICS professional, expert at a specialty running store, podiatrist, or physical therapist who will explain your running type and help you select the right pair of running shoes.
3D Foot Mapping The most advanced version of video gait analysis is 3D foot mapping which, in addition to video, uses both lasers and micro cameras to create a highly detailed 3D image of the foot. A range of information is obtained from the scan, such as arch height and alignment of the Achilles with the leg. This is used to determine the right running shoe and provide additional insight into what may be causing recurrent injuries. 3D foot mapping is unique to ASICS and available to customers via ASICS Running Clinics or the ASICS London store, which is the only store that has the 3D foot mapping equipment in permanent residence.
Visit an ASICS Store for Expert Guidance Receive individual product advice at any of our running stores. Trained staff members will be happy to assist you with fitting and diagnostic services.
CHECK WEAR PATTERNS ON YOUR SHOE
For Underpronators/Supinators: The outside of your running shoes show the most wear If you put your running shoes on a flat surface, you may notice a slight outward tilt
For Neutral Runners: The soles of your running shoes show wear in an S-shaped pattern, from the outer (lateral) heel to the big toe If you put your shoes on a flat surface, you may not notice any tilt
For Overpronators: Extra wear on the inside of the heel and under the ball of the foot, especially the big toe If you put your shoes on a flat surface, you may notice an inward tilt
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RUNNING SHOE
Once you understand your pronation type, you can find a shoe with the optimal amount of support and cushioning.
