Checking Out Shoe Types

Athletic shoes are made in several different ways, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. You should try to find out how a shoe was constructed to see if it's a good match for your foot type. Here are the three main shoe constructions:

• Slip-last. This shoe is made by sewing together the upper part of the shoe and then gluing it to the sole. The result is a lightweight, flexible shoe.

• Board-last. For this shoe, the upper part of the shoe is sewn to a cardboard-like material. Board-lasted shoes are good for people with flat feet.

• Combination-last. This shoe is slip-lasted in the front and board-lasted in the back. The result is a heel that's stable and a front that's flexible.