Shoe Fit Question

> should I be looking for a motion control or support shoe?

My own personal advice, unloved by some in the shoe trade:
Do NOT interfere with your natural foot action!

That's how the bones and muscles in your feet work best, and if they do not conform to some theoretician's ideal concepts (or those of a shoe marketing department), too bad. Especially when touted by mass-market promotions with no medical backing.

Caveat: in some cases people have damage to their feet or ankles or knees which can be ameliorated by a small amount of tweaking of the inner sole by a qualified medical practitioner. That's a completely different thing.

> as the shoe fits and is comfortable while walking?
This should be your SOLE criterion (and forgive the pun).

Cheers
(and waits for howls of criticism from 'true believers')

John said:
“my heals strike first and then my foot rotates inward”

This is called pronation and is natural and good. Don’t try to stop it. Supination is when the foot rotates from inside out.

Obviously if the shoe is working and you are pain free then no reason to consider switching.

BTW the 908 is one of the stiffer, motion controlling shoes that NB has for trail runners.

John,
If you're having a problem due to your condition (ie. Pain) I would recommend you call my Sports Podiatrist, Dr. David Hannaford. You may use my name. His number is: 415 499 8000.

I see from your profile that you're located in Sacramento. I'm sure Dr. Hannaford will be able to recommend a suitable podiatrist in your area.

Be sure to tell Dr. Hannaford you're a serious distance hiker.

I agree with Roger that you should try not to interfere with your natural foot movement. And since I agree with this, I try now to purchase shoes that supposedly have minimal interference. Those would be the ones usually rated as "neutral" or something like that.

Whether that gives me a shoe that doesn't interfere with my natural foot movement is questionable.

Denis,
You are spot on. Dave is one of the best in the business.
John,
If you can possibly swing the trip(s) down to Marin County, get yourself treated by Dave himself. You won't regret it.
You can use my name as well. Good luck.

My feet behave the same. I seem to have the beginnings of bunions, which I'm told is a possible result of pronation. Other than that, the only issue I've experienced is having shoe treads wear out quickly. I switched to a brand with more durable soles, and it's not really a problem anymore.