Is it a big deal if the shoe has pronation control? What if I don't need it? ... and by the way... What IS pronation control? In this session our aim is to clear up a little confusion about pronation and supination. As always if you are still left with questions please feel free to contact a member of our customer service at info@brownscatalog.com or go straight to the pro at DrShoelutions@BrownsCatalog.com. 

Pronation
When weight bearing, pronation is an inward tilt rotation of the hind and midfoot with a lifting of the outside border of the midfoot, and an outward swing of the forefoot. Sounds complicated doesn't it? But basically it refers to the outward rotation or "twisting" of the heel when weightbearing. It is quite common. In fact, a mild degree of heel pronation is considered normal. It is the natural yielding movement of the heel and heel tendon when receiving body weight and stress, and serves as a kind of shock-absorber. Excessive pronation however, indicates a serious foot problem. Such pronation is visible from a rear view of the naked foot when standing. The heel thrusts outward. This is accompanied by a visible outward curving of the heel tendon which is attached to the heel bone. Because the heel bone is the vital anchor or control center for normal foot alignment or balance, excessive pronation can create a malalignment and imbalance of the whole foot, as well as causing a shift in body posture. With excessive pronation the inner ankle dips down, the long arch becomes depressed, and the whole foot tends to tilt inward. Also the forefoot everts or turns outward. Excessive or Over pronation is a condition closely akin to flexible flatfoot. Excessive pronation tends to break down the medial side of the shoe from the excess pressure and stress. This is one of the ways a person can tell if they suffer from over pronation. A person with a flat or low arch tends to over pronate. Check your arch type here. For more information and recommended New Balance models for Pronation click here.

Supination
The opposite of pronation, supination is an outward tilt rotation of the hind and midfoot with an inward swing of the forefoot and increased pressure or shift of weight bearing surface to the outside border of the midfoot. Just as in over-pronation, excessive supination or under-pronation can create a malalignment and imbalance of the foot, causing a shift in body posture. With excessive supination the inner ankle is lifted, the long arch is extended, and the whole foot tends to tilt outward as the great toe may turn inward. Check the wear patterns on your current shoes. If the compression is on the outside (opposite side of arch) or lateral side of the foot from the heel to the midfoot this indicates supination. Please note, if the wear is primarily in the heel it may not indicate supination as a normal foot strike pattern shows wear in the outside edge of the heel. If there is excess heel compression this may be due to a heavy heel strike not necessarily supination. A person with a high arch may tend to supinate. For more information and recommended New Balance models for Supination click here.

For a full fitting experience contact a fitting specialist at one of our store locations. They will be able to analyze wear patterns and even scan your feet to identify high pressure areas and determine pronation or supination tendencies.

These recommendations do not take the place of consulting with your health care professional.

I often get the person who states, "I need a good shoe but I have no idea where to start." With all the different categories, models, and shoe technology "jargon" I can certainly see how it can get confusing. So I've decided to do my best at clearing at least a few things up. Over the next few months I'll be posting some informational blogs on some of the things that might be confusing when looking at all of the choices. Each of these informational write-ups will be titled New Balance Shoe Technology. If you've been reading for a while you may have caught the "What's Your Type?" entry that instructs how to find your arch type. That is a good place to start. Also consider the type of activities for which you will be using these shoes. For example, if you are running of course you will want to go with a running model. If you are doing weight training or aerobics and may also incorporate some jogging you would want to choose a versatile cross trainer like the New Balance 1210 or the New Balance 1011. If you are unsure or don't see your activity listed under the Men's or Women's drop down list on our homepage please contact a member of our product specialist staff either through Shoechat, Email, or by phone at 800-728-6247 and they will be happy to assist you. Once you've chosen the category type of shoe you need you may want to consider the last.
What is a last? 
A shoe last is the 360° plastic, wood, or metal model/form upon which a shoe is constructed. Lasts provide a unique fit and size profile for women, men, and kids. The last along with extensive width sizing, combine to provide the best overall fit in the shoe industry. The Last will give a particular model a general standard or blueprint for heel width, instep height, forefoot width, and toebox depth. The most popular lasts seen throughout New Balance core models are SL-1, SL-2 and now the new PL-1 last. The link below will take you to a chart detailing each last and the fitting characteristics you can expect from a model made on that particular last. Keep in mind however that the last is just one piece of technology behind New Balance shoes. The material from which the shoe is made, such as leather, mesh, synthetic, along with the features incorporated in the shoe give each model individual fitting characteristics. Check back for more on "New Balance Shoe Technology".
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