Arch Type

Flat
Choose 'Flat' if your feet have very little arch, or if your arch flattens as soon as you put your weight on your feet. If you are in doubt try the wet foot test.

Medium
Can you fit a finger between your arch and the ground when you are standing up? If this is you choose 'Medium'. In any doubt? Try the wet foot test.

High
Can you fit two or more fingers between your arch and the ground when you are standing up? If you can choose 'High'. If in doubt try the wet foot test.

The Wet Foot Test

The wet foot test will indicate the type of arch your feet have. Leave a barefoot wet footprint on a tiled floor and look at the shape of it.

	Flat If you have flat feet your foot print will appear the shape of the whole sole of your foot. The band between the heel and the forefoot will be almost the full width of your foot. This also often indicates that the foot is prone to over-pronation. This means it lands on the outside of the heel (as is normal) but then rolls inwards excessively. This can cause injuries. But don't worry. It is extremely common and relatively easily dealt with. We can guide you to a shoe that effectively addresses this condition.
	Normal Normal feet have a normal-sized arch. They will leave a wet footprint with a broad band between the heel and forefoot. It will be around half the width of the foot. A normal arch means there is less likely to be a problem with over-pronation. The foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards to absorb shock in the way it should.
	High The high arched foot leaves a footprint with a narrow band or no band at all between the forefoot and the heel. This often also indicates the foot may under-pronate. After landing on the outside of the heel as it should the foot does not roll inwards as much as it should. This means the foot is less flexible and less able to absorb shock.

Pronation

Pronation is the foot's natural rolling motion from landing on the outside of the heel. Some people's roll feet too much (over-pronation), some people's feet roll too little (under-pronation – also called supination) and some people's feet get it just right (neutral)

We stock shoes to suit all types of runner and you can enjoy running with all three foot types.

To find out about your feet you can try the wet foot test above or look at a pair of old running shoes.

Put your shoes at eye level.

Don't pay attention to how much the heel is worn down. In fact, completely ignore the outsole and how that has worn.

Look at the upper of the shoe - the part at the top of the shoe that your foot fits into.

If the upper is tilting or bent inwards (towards the inside of your foot) then select 'over-pronation'.

If the upper really is not tilting or bent at all then double check. Many people ignore tell tale signs as they think 'neutral' is better. Check again as the wrong shoes won’t guide your feet properly. If you are sure choose neutral.

If the upper of the shoe is tilting or bent outwards (towards the outside of your foot), then choose 'under-pronation'.