How to Check Pronation

Pronation -- when the foot naturally collapses inward -- is the body's natural shock absorber. However, too much or too little pronation can cause a variety of injuries if you do not use the proper footwear. Discover your level of pronation and understand what that level means for you to prevent these hazards. The wet test is a simple way to get an idea of how much or little you pronate and give you a starting point for choosing the proper footwear.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow, wide rectangular pan
  • Water
  • Brown paper bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the pan on the ground and pour water into it until there is a shallow layer covering the bottom.

    • 2

      Step one foot into the pan, making sure the bottom of your foot is wet.

    • 3

      Step onto the flattened paper shopping bag with your wet foot.

    • 4

      Step off the paper bag carefully to leave an intact wet imprint.

    • 5

      Look down at the bag and observe the shape of the wet imprint. Seeing half of your arch means you are a mild pronator. Seeing the entire footprint implies flat feet, commonly referred to as overpronation. Seeing only the heel and ball of the foot with perhaps a small line indicates underpronation.