I know there are one or two floating around here. I'm looking into new shoes to possibly alleviate knee pain while running on the treadmill.
Here's my dilemma. I looked into it, and have decided that I have a high arch. I wet my feet and stood on a paperbag (y'know, the techical and scientific way), then traced my foot. So, everything I have read suggests w/a high arch that I should underpronate. But when I examined my shoes w/the most wear, I have wear more on the right shoe on the upper inside of the sole, and more centralized wear on left shoe. Now, wear on the inside suggests an overpronater, also usualy flat footed, right? Maybe my arch isnt as high as I think, but I certainly know I'm not flat footed.

I'm so confused. I just want to get a good shoe for my feet, and I'm hoping to make an informed decision.

I'm not sure that I'm going to have access to a specialized running shoe shop, kwim? Are there certain chains that are going to have more informed salespersons than other? We have footlocker, finish line, and crap...can't remember the others.

Any thoughts?

well, went to a local store that specializes in running shoes and accessories. Got some Mizuno Wave Mavericks. I guess I'll see before too long if that's what the deal was.
Wish me luck

Good luck, The shoes might be helpful. However the running posture changes things a lot. What you did by standing on paper does not say which part faces the brunt while you run. Some people do put pressure on the heels while some(like me) run entirely on the forefoot.

I would also like to know of some shop where they actually make you run and then recommend a shoe.

The shop we went to (i'm mjthomas's husband here) films your feet while running and evaluates it to determine where/if you need support. They watch it with in in slow motion and show you why you need what they're showing you. I felt a lot better about them than I would have going to any major chains to buy shoes. A little more expensive, but good service seems to alleviate a lot of that pain LOL. We're in Fayetteville, AR and went to a shop called Fleet Feet. I have no clue if they have shops anywhere else or if they're just local. I'd ask a trainer at your gym and maybe they can point you towards a shop that does that for you. That's how we found them.

Wear doesn't always indicate over or under pronation. It is kinda weird... I have seen people with over pronation that have wear on different sides!

You were right in going to a walk/run store... They usually know what they are talking about!

Try shorter/quicker strides and see if that helps any. And, you can also try heel first and rolling, or, flat footed. I like to try running several different ways and taking notes... After doing this for a couple weeks, you may have found a new - more comfortable way to run.

Good luck,
Rip

thanks Rip, I'm just beginning to understand that there is a "form" to running. I have a feeling I've just been clomping along and that's one of the factors to me knee problems. I really just try to relax my body while I jog so maybe I'm not controlling my movements as much as I should.
I think I am going to take a more "scientific" approach to running, and keep a log detailing how I feel running in different ways.

Last week I got a pair of Nike Shox and it made a huge difference. I went running on our hard asphalt track that usually kills my shins, but with the Shox on, I didn't feel a thing.

nike shox are an insult to runners EVERYWHERE. Buy asics....i am 'a shoe expert' as i worked in a running shop for 1.5 years. Go for asics 2100's.