In less than two weeks the kids will be back to school and you have purchased them shoes for school and their sports.

Learn your foot type by taking the wet test. There are three basic foot types, each based on the height of your arches. To find out what type of arch that you have; pour a thin layer of water into a shallow pan, next wet the sole of your foot, then step onto a blank piece of heavy paper and then step off and look down. The first type is normal (medium) arch-if you see about half of your arch; you have the most common foot type and considered a normal pronator. What this mean is the arch will collapse inward, this “pronation” absorbs the shock. The second foot type is flat (low) arch-you will see almost your entire footprint, which means you’re probably an over pronator. What happens when your foot strikes, your arch collapses inward too much? The third type is high arch-if you see just your heel, the ball of your foot, and a thin line on the outside of your foot. You are considered an under pronator, or supinator, which results in too much of the shock traveling up your legs, since your arch doesn’t absorb it.

The greatest variety of shoes exists for runners, for good foot motion to prevent injury. When shopping for new running shoes speak with the staff at the store to get the best shoe for you, with so many variables in running its best that the expertise help you. Walking shoes-one needs to consider the anatomical difference walking is to running. The foot is in contact with the ground longer, and because of the motion creates a different type of impact, walkers often feel soreness in the lower back rather than the knees. The types of shoes offered for walking vary greatly from those marketed for running. You should have a pair of cross training shoes if you are participating in aerobics classes, step, kickboxing or Zumba. Cross-training shoes take an entirely different motion that you need to consider. Cross-training shoes are made for lateral (sideways) motion and stability to the ankle during that side to side motion.

Buying the right size of any athletic shoe will provide the key to the best fit.