Pronation is a natural motion that occurs when your foot rolls inward during the gait cycle. It helps distribute the force of impact when your foot strikes the ground, acting as a shock absorber. However, excessive pronation, known as overpronation, or insufficient pronation, called underpronation, can lead to various foot and leg issues.
Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward too much, causing stress on the ankle and knee joints. On the other hand, underpronation happens when the foot doesn't roll inward enough, leading to excessive pressure on the outer edge of the foot.
Understanding your pronation type is crucial when selecting running shoes. Shoes designed to address pronation issues can help prevent injuries and improve running efficiency.