No single shoe model or type of shoe works for all runners who share a foot type or running style. In fact, most runners need shoes with good arch support, says Halloran, (though that could mean using a “neutral” shoe). Another indicator you might need more support: If you find excessive wear on the inner side of your running shoes.īut even if you don’t experience pain while running, arch support is still important. If you’re dealing with any of the issues above, you should consider getting more arch support, says Lobkova. “If the alignment is off or shock is inadequately absorbed, certain tendons or ligaments get overworked, leading to overuse injuries.”īy keeping your body in alignment as you run, proper arch support shoes can help alleviate a wide range of overuse issues, including conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, medial knee pain, lower back pain, and heel pain, says Lobkova. “All that shock at heel contact needs to be adequately transferred up the chain to the ankles, knees, hips, and back,” she says. Add in the fact that each running step generates an impact force around three times your body weight, and you have a recipe for injury, says surgical podiatrist Dr. Overpronation doesn’t just cause issues for your feet-it throws your whole body alignment out of whack. How Arch Support HelpsĪrch support counters overpronation, or the tendency for your foot to roll inward ( or “pronate”) too much during your stride. Halloran, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., an Austin, Texas-based podiatry specialist. Paul Nasri, P.T., D.P.T., C.O.M.T., a physical therapist and owner of The Game Plan Physical Therapy in New York City and Daniel T. Nelya Lobkova, D.P.M., a surgical podiatrist based in New York City Dr. Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, D.P.M., a New Jersey-based podiatry specialist and expert consultant at Aetrex Dr.

To get reliable info on the science behind arch support, I included input from multiple podiatrists and a physical therapist: Dr. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and have firsthand experience testing models from a range of brands. Show more The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist.

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