The word 'neutral' is an overused term that most runners have, or will be hearing, in the near future. This is the term used to describe a running gait (the cycle between when your foot first hits the ground through to the next time the same foot hits the ground again) that both pronates and supinates in the right places at the right times.

Pronation is the flattening out of the arch when the foot strikes the ground. This is what the foot needs to do to absorb impact effectively and usually happens just after the foot hits the ground. Too much of this though puts added stress on the stabilising muscles in the outside of the shin.

Supination (the opposite motion of pronation) allows the foot to become a more stable when we push off on our next step. Too much supination can also overstretch the muscles necessary to stop the foot rolling over, which in extreme cases can result in a sprained ankle.

However, a neutral runner describes someone whose feet do as they should, pronating and supinating in the right areas and in the right amounts.

How do I know if I am neutral runner?

Start off by taking a look at the sole of your running shoe to see if parts of the sole are compressed or worn away. With a neutral running gait it should be evenly compressed along either side of the shoe, so that if you sit the shoe on a counter top and look at it from behind the shoe doesn’t lean over either way.

The good news is that a runner who runs this way should find greater distances easier to cover with less injury than someone who pronates or supinates too much. However, it is important to remember reading the wear of a shoe is somewhat of an art; your running shoe will hold a few subtle signs that may take a more expert eye to recognise.

Furthermore, even if neutral runners are less prone to injury because their neutral running style, it wouldn’t do any harm to observe the following:

• As with all runners the right shoe will help you, the wrong shoe can create problems. Make sure your shoes are fitted correctly. If possible go to a running-specific shoe retailer that has both pressure plate and video analysis to confirm what you believe.
• If you’re taking your running seriously, a soft footbed to spread out the weight bearing areas of the foot could possibly help. Make sure the person making them is experienced in the sport you are doing.
• As your distances increase, it could be a good idea to involve a physiotherapist or physical therapist in your training. It’s better to stop injuries before they stop you doing what you enjoy.