Stopping Supination??

Question

Ok, I supinate quite a bit when I run, mostly on my right foot, and I was wondering if its something I can stop doing. I run around 35 mpw, and I get weak ankles from supinating to much. Is it possible to change your feet mechanics while running and if so how? because i've made an effort to run normally, but it doesnt seem to work.

Answer 1

My problem is pronation. No, I cannot correct the problem by running differently. You cannot either. But that doesn't mean the problem cannot be corrected. A stability shoe might help, but I suspect you will need to go to a podiatrist to get a diagnosis and orthotics. Often that is not covered by insurance, see you doctor first for a referral on the chance that you might have coverage.

Answer 2

Trying to run differently to improve your biomechanical efficiency will not work.

Supination happens pretty much exclusively to runners with rigid feet, often with high arches. You need a flexible shoe that will give and bend where your rigid foot will not.

Look for a shoe with a very soft midsole -- it should compress fairly easily with your thumb. There should be very good cushioning in both the heel and forefoot. The heel counter should be flexible and essentially useless -- not rigid. Finally, the shoe should have a curved (or semi-curved) slip last.

Please do not consider motion control shoes. They are designed to control pronation by promoting suppination. I think we can agree that you are not in need of that.

I am linking to the Asics Nimbus below which was created with under pronaters in mind.

In addition I would recommend that you see a well known (by runners) sports medicine health professional in your area. Your body is a system that will sometimes break down in one place because of a problem in another. This makes particular sense as you are suppinating more in one foot.

Also, I am sure you have heard or thought of having an orthotic device made. A good one can really make a difference. Money comes and goes - but we only get one shot at a high quality life.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Sonny! I couldn't of said it better myself.  He explained it perfectly-  I would recommend to do some ankle strengthening exercises, to promote stronger ankles to help prevent any injuries.  Go to a specialty running store and get properly fitted for suprination.  Its worth the money and they are runners themselves and know what they are talking about.