Arch support/running advice needed

[49erinnc]

I'd like to be able to run more but I have flat feet and tend to develop a good bit of pain in my feet, shins and lower back. Currently, I'm not using any arch supports in my Asics.

Am I better off getting some inserts? If so, what type seems to be the best for running on hard surfaces. I'm open to specific suggestions but I don't want to spend much. Maybe just something you could buy at the drug store perhaps? I'm sure my running style contributes to the pain as well but I feel like I'm smacking the ground pretty hard because of my flat feet. But I don't want to buy something for my shoes that will end up causing more problems/pain. Sucks because I have the stamina and desire to run for a long time but my body, from the lower back down just can't keep up.

 

[vi edit]

For starters I'd look into shoes that are aimed at flat footed runners (technically called over-pronators).

These shoes are usually marketed at stability and/or motion control. If you grab a shoe off the rack and look at the inner side of the sole (under where your arch would be) they usually have a much higher density/rigid material there than under your heel. The shoe should not have any flex in the middle of it (hence the motion control/stability aspect).

Give that a shot.

Sore shins are usually a symptom of old and broken down shoes. Sore feet are usually caused by the first problem and having the wrong shoe type for your feet.