What Is Your Foot Type and Why It Matters?
Our feet carry us through life, yet most of us don’t give them the attention they deserve. One crucial aspect of foot health is knowing your foot type, which can affect everything from your posture to your risk of injury. At Dr. Kong, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to care for your feet and choose the right shoes. Let's explore how to determine your foot type and why it matters.
Types of Feet
Feet come in different shapes, and these can be categorized into three primary foot types based on the arch of your foot:
1. Flat Feet (Low Arch)
If you have flat feet, the arch is low or nonexistent, causing your entire foot to touch the ground when you stand. This foot type often leads to overpronation, where your foot rolls inward excessively when walking or running. People with flat feet may experience foot fatigue, discomfort, or issues like plantar fasciitis.
Recommended Care: Supportive shoes with firm arch support and cushioning are essential to help reduce strain and maintain proper foot alignment.
2. Normal Feet (Neutral Arch)
A neutral arch is the most common foot type, characterized by a moderate curve on the inside of the foot. If you have a normal arch, your foot tends to distribute weight evenly. While you might not face as many problems, wearing properly fitted shoes is still important to maintain good foot health.
Recommended Care: Choose shoes with good insoles and moderate arch support for everyday comfort and protection.
3. Hollow/High-Arched Feet (Supinated Foot)
High-arched feet have an exaggerated curve, and much of the weight is placed on the outer edges of the foot. People with high arches are more prone to underpronation (supination), where the foot rolls outward, potentially leading to ankle sprains or stress on the knees and hips.
Recommended Care: Soft, cushioned shoes that absorb shock and have extra padding in the midsole are ideal for this foot type.
How to Determine Your Foot Type
Understanding your foot type is essential for choosing the right shoes and maintaining foot health. While at-home methods like the wet foot test can give you a general idea, the most accurate way to identify your foot type is through professional assessments. At Dr. Kong, we offer two advanced methods to help you determine your foot type: the Normal Foot Assessment and the 3D Foot Assessment.
1. Normal Foot Assessment
Our Normal Foot Assessment involves a thorough analysis of your foot structure and gait. A trained specialist will evaluate:
- Arch type (flat, neutral, or high arch)
- Foot alignment
- Foot pressure distribution
- Pronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling)
This detailed examination helps us recommend the ideal footwear for your specific foot type and any issues you may be experiencing, such as overpronation or supination.
2. 3D Foot Assessment
For a more advanced and precise analysis, Dr. Kong offers the 3D Foot Assessment, which uses cutting-edge technology to create a three-dimensional scan of your foot. This provides a comprehensive view of:
- Foot shape and size
- Arch height
- Pressure points
- Heel and toe alignment
The 3D Foot Assessment offers the highest accuracy in identifying your foot type, ensuring that your footwear matches your foot’s unique structure for optimal comfort and support.
Why It Matters
Knowing your foot type through a professional assessment allows you to select the best shoes that align with your needs, preventing discomfort, foot pain, and even long-term issues like joint misalignment.
Visit Dr. Kong for your Normal Foot Assessment or experience the innovation of our 3D Foot Assessment to find the perfect shoes tailored to your feet. Your foot health starts here!