Your shoes tell a story- if you know how to read them. This month we’ll be showing you how to evaluate your running shoe wear pattern. Before buying a pair of new running shoes you can learn a lot about the kind of runner you are and the needs of your feet by checking out the condition of your old shoes.

Heavy wear on the outside aspect of your heel and even wear along the remainder of the outsole indicates a neutral wear pattern

Focused outsole wear over the ball of your mid and forefoot area with no visible heel wear indicates a Forefoot-Strike wear pattern

 

Excessive wear along the medial outsole (inside of the foot) indicates an Over-Pronation wear pattern

 

Excessive wear along the lateral outsole (outside of the foot) indicates an Under-Pronation wear pattern

 

Identifying your wear pattern can help you identify the type of shoes you need and help minimize your risks for foot and leg strains. As always contact your healthcare provider (orthopedic doctor, physical therapist, athletic trainer) with any questions, concerns or issues you have.