Know your footprint before buying running shoes

Kristen's recent post on shopping for running shoes reminds us to seek expert assistance in purchasing the right shoe for your arch. But before you head into the specialty running shoe shop, it's an excellent idea to know your own footprint.

Your unique footprint reveals whether you have flat arches, a normal arch or high arches -- an important indicator of which running shoe is best for you. Spring is nearly here, so wet your feet and step on the driveway. Check out this visual to match your footprint against the three arch types:

• Flat feet: You likely roll your foot inward when striding (pronate) and should consider a motion-control running shoe.
• Normal arches: You might pronate just a bit, check out shoes to control light/moderate pronation.
• High arches: While my footprint does not reveal it, I tend to roll outward (underpronate) when I walk, and probably while jogging, too. A softer, shock-absorbing running shoe is a good choice for high arches.

To determine which brands might be good for you, plug your motion mechanics and arch height into this shoe finder at runningshoes.com to see a few pairs that might fit your footprint. Now head to the specialty shop.