Forget mind reading and palm reading – I’m going to help you read your sole...

Have you read your sole lately? You’ll need some old shoes to do it...  

The wear and tear on the bottom of that shoe can really help you buy the best pair for your feet and body. Jonathan Rose, author of “The Foot Book,” tells us what to look for:

• Visibly worn tread on the outside edges means you tend to supinate. That means your ankles roll outward too much. That puts you at an increased risk for stress fractures. You need well-cushioned, highly padded, shock-absorbing shoes. Avoid styles labeled “stability” or “motion-control” which will make matters worse.

• Excessive wear on the inner edge of the heels or behind the big toes means you tend to overpronate. Your ankles roll inward too much and you probably have flat arches. You’re at an increased risk for painful inflammatory conditions. You DO want styles designed for stability or motion-control. They’ll give you extra arch support and limit that inward roll.

Dr. Rose says it’s best to wear an old pair of shoes when you go shopping. A knowledgeable salesperson at a good shoe store will be able to read your sole and recommend the right kind of shoe for you.