Pronation / Supination *See below for recommended items

Pronation which is generally characterized by a low arch, or flat foot, causes the ankle to turn inward toward the arch. This generally puts more pressure at the arch area causing pain and fit issues.

Supination which is generally characterized by a very high arch, forces the ankle to turn outward putting more pressure along the outer side of the foot also causing pain and fitting issues.

Both conditions can create miserable conditions for the feet and contribute to other ailments in the knees, hips and lower back. As the foot turns inward or outward (pronates or supinates) this affects the angle that the knees, hips and back rotate, throwing them out of alignment. As individual’s address problems with their knees, hips and backs, for many, solutions can be found at the feet. Re-aligning the feet with the help of orthics and quality footwear can dramatically impact all of these areas.

Tips for fitting: Pronation and Supination can create challenges for the professional shoe fitter. For pronation, more pressure is placed in the arch area of the shoe which can cause the shoe to gap. The use of arch pads or orthotics will lift the arch, support it and distribute the weight evenly over the whole foot. Many lower priced shoes are made of inferior materials that break down and stretch out. This again causes the foot to fall out of alignment. One should look for sturdy full grain leather uppers. The thicker leather is stronger and will withstand the additional pressure of the pronated/supinated foot.   A tie shoe will always perform best, for either condition, as it allows for individual adjustment on each foot.

More about Pronation, Supination:

http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/pronation-supination.php

Top Recommended Shoes and Sandals for Pronation / Supination   

Women’s Shoes: Rush, Ladina , Lanny
Women’s Sandals: Myrta, Mariet, Ulla, Canisia
Men’s Shoes: Match, Storm, Habbo, Marlon, Melchior, Phoebus
Men’s Sandals: Shark, Valdor, Zeus