Does 'motion-control' in a running shoe really make a difference for someone with flat feet?

Question

I've been searching the internet for a good pair of running shoes for someone with flat feet....I never knew what 'motion control' was before, but it's apparently a feature I should look for since I am flat-footed. But will it really make a difference, versus another shoe that doesn't have 'motion-control'?

Answer 1

It a different issue. Motion control is for people who tend to over-pronate or over-supinate (your foot rolls either to the inside or outside). Flat feet, while often associated with pronation, just means you need a shoe with a better arch support, or an after-market insert or orthotic. You might want to just try picking up some of those arch supports at a sporting goods store that are made for running shoes and substitute them for the stock insole in your current shoes to see if it helps. I use them in my shoes.

Answer 2

Basically, if you have flat feet, then your arches hit the ground every time you take a step. As a consequence, your feet tend to pronate, or roll inward. In the past, the only form of motion control, or pronation prevention, was in the form of custom orthotic devices, which were inserted into the shoes.

These days, many shoe companies have invested time and research into developing shoes with built-in support and motion/pronation control. These shoes are designed so that your feet fall at about the right place and putting less impact on your arches and more on the rest of your feet where they belong.

The difference that these shoes will make on you as a runner depends on how severe your case is and how much you run. If you have never had a problem with your present shoes, there is no need to go out and buy new ones unless you plan on increasing the intensity of your workout by running faster or farther. If so, you may wish to consider them.

Answer 3

i am a flat footed runner and i would 110% go with stability just like i do. i wear the brooks gts 8 for my everyday training shoe and for performance training i wear a stability trainer the asics ds trainer 13...it would benefit you more for stability unless you have SEVEREE overpronation