Find the best running shoe for you with Gait Analysis

People talk about the importance of gait analysis in the running industry and how it can benefit your performance, you may be thinking but surely if I buy a good pair of trainers that has good reviews, that will be right won’t it? Not quite. So, what actually is gait analysis, why do we recommend it and how does it help your running?

What is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is the process we use to help find the running shoe that best fits you and your running style, but what does that mean? It is essentially an examination of your running style to help us gage what shoes best fit your needs. Our team will take time to find out a bit about you, your current running journey, your ambitions and any injury or concerns that you may have. Explaining the different types of running style, being neutral or pronating (we'll come onto this). Before stepping onto a treadmill and talking through your running cycle frame by frame and trying on various models to find the pair that best fits you. 

Why do we recommend it and how does it help your running?

We recommend having your gait analysed every year. But why? Knowing your running style will keep you stepping into a pair that supports your body biomechanics where it needs. Preventing injury and benefitting from the right shoe technology so you can stride towards your running ambition. Whether that be for runners looking for comfort that lasts, picking up the pace to push the tempo or PB chasers looking to shed the seconds off the clock.

Understanding pronation: Neutral, underpronation and overpronation.

Pronation is the way your foot rolls inward upon landing on the ground. It is a natural movement and is the way you uniquely absorb the shock and impact of your foot striking the ground. The level or degree of pronation is a spectrum ranging from overpronation through neutral and at the opposite end, supination. It shows how much support you need from your running shoes.

Once you know what type of pronator you are, you can buy running shoes that are ideal for your style of running. Our staff will be able to help you choose the best shoes for the terrain or guide you with how much cushioning you might want from a running shoe.

Find out more about our Gait Analysis here.

How to get a gait analysis

We offer FREE gait analysis in all of our Up & Running shops, all you need to do is pop into your local shop and our team will be more than happy to help. You don't need to bring anything with you, just wear something that's comfortable to run in and we'll do the rest. Find your local Up & Running shop.