When you are considering buying a new pair of girls running shoes, there is more to think about than just getting the correct size, a trendy brand and color that looks good. The result of making a rash decision and buying the first pair you like the look of might be some very painful running and a significant chance of injuries. You should let your feet do the talking, and let them scream at you which running shoes they prefer.
There is a simple test you can carry out at home called the Wet Foot Test. It is not the greatest scientific experiment, but it can point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing a comfortable pair of sneakers. Place a paper grocery bag on the floor and stick it down with a couple of pieces of tape. Then dip your foot into a bowl of water, and walk rapidly onto the bag so that you leave a wet footprint on it. The shape of the print will tell you whether you will need extra cushioning in your shoes or need a shoe designed to control excessive motion of your foot.
If the footprint is filled out completely, without any curvature between your heel and ball of foot, then you are flat-footed and said to overpronate. You will need a pair of pronation running shoes that offer adequate stability when you run. These sneakers might also be called motion control shoes, and they protect the bones of your foot from injury when you run.
On the other end of the scale, the Wet Foot Test might show that the print made by the middle of your foot is very narrow indeed, and this indicates that you have very high arches. In technical terms you are then said to underpronate (or supinate). You will need supination running shoes to add more cushioning to protect your feet. The midsoles also tend to be more flexible and softer.
Then finally, if you have a footprint with an average degree of curvature between heel and ball, you are said to have a neutral gait, and can pick from a wide range of running sneakers designed for the neutral runner. A good tip, even if you are neutral, is to pick a pair that have a nice amount of padding, for mild or moderate overpronators. These will offer you a little more bounce and confidence when you are running longer distances.
If you buy from a specialist running supplies shop, often the store assistant will get you to run on a treadmill and record your gait with a camera. Then they can show you exactly how your foot rolls as you stride; this is far more technical and accurate than a wet paper bag, so do take advantage of this service – called gait analysis – if you possibly can. Your feet will then choose the correct girls running shoes for you.
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