A person with normal pronation will notice their heelprint connected to the toeprints with about half of their foot width. Third, check a footprint after taking a few steps with bare, wet feet.

If most of the wear is on the inner edge, there may be overpronation. Second, check the soles of a pair of shoes.If there is no clear space between the foot and the floor where the arch should be, the person likely overpronates. First, look at the feet while standing.If a person thinks they may overpronate, then they can self assess first using one of the three following methods: Many people who overpronate know they have flat feet without consulting a doctor. At the end of the study, tests showed they had less pain and improved balance. In some cases, though, a person with overpronation may require custom orthotics, which a podiatrist can order based on an analysis of the person’s walking style.Ī 2015 study looked at 20 children with flexible flat feet who wore custom-made orthoses for 3 months. Generic orthotics are available without a prescription and may provide enough support to prevent injuries due to overpronation. Orthotics are special inserts that slip into shoes to offer extra arch support and help minimize the impact of the way someone walks. After 6 months, all the participants had a typical gait, suggesting that specific exercises may improve gait and reduce overpronation in children. In 10 of the participants, overpronation affected their gait. In a 2015 study, 58 young athletes between 9–12 years participated in an exercise program. Next, press the four smaller toes into the floor and raise the big toe for 5 seconds.Press the right big toe into the floor and lift the other toes of the right foot.Wearing on the inside edge can be a sign of overpronation.Ī podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon can also recommend suitable shoes, such as anti-pronation shoes, which experts suggest may help reduce physical fatigue due to overpronation. This can help show if a person needs shoes with a specific type of support.Ī person can also look at the soles of their shoes to see where most wear has taken place. Some running stores have equipment that highlights which part of the foot touches the ground when a person walks. choosing a specialty walking or running store, which is more likely to have equipment for assessing gait.wearing thin socks when shopping for shoes, as thick socks can lead to choosing shoes that are too tight.shopping for shoes at the end of the day when feet are more likely to be a little puffy.asking the sales associate to measure both feet.opting for a wide base of support for the middle of the foot to prevent the arch collapsing inward.choosing shoes with a dense midsole, as it will uphold the arch.checking that the shoe has a strong and inflexible heel counter, the hard piece in the back that stops the foot moving from side to side.The person should choose shoes that offer extra support and stability to minimize the impact of each step.įeatures of supportive shoes for people with overpronation include: doing exercises that strengthen the arches and muscles around themĪ person with overpronation should choose supportive shoes, especially for activities that involve repeated foot strikes, such as running or walking.managing weight through diet and exercise, if appropriate.managing pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).choosing supportive or motion control shoes, also known as overpronation shoes.Most people do not need treatment for flat feet, but the following options may help manage pain and reduce the chance of an injury:

Feet point outward