All about Gait Analysis in your local running shop - The Up & Running Gait Analysis | Running Trainers, Clothing and Accessories

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Last Christmas postal date - Friday 20th December 2024

What is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis or gait assessment is the process we use to find ideal running shoes for you. Gait analysis is a free service and is offered in all Up & Running shops.

It all starts with you!

Our gait analysis is more than just running on the treadmill. Our staff will get to know you as a runner, the type of running you do or want to do; if you have any races planned or any other goals you hope to achieve. We will also ask about any running injuries you may have had. All this information will help us to get to the best pair of running trainers for you.

So why do you need a gait analysis?

Getting a gait analysis helps to give you a better insight into your running gait, biomechanics, and style. The running gait analysis will help you to find out what type of pronator you are and what level of support you might need. There are three broad types of pronation, all are natural, and no type of pronation is better than another. They all benefit from the right footwear to suit their characteristics, the three types are neutral; overpronation and underpronation or supination. This information can help you find the best running shoes for your running style and needs.

Types Of Pronation Explained

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.

Types Of Pronation

Neutral

A neutral pronator’s foot lands on its outer edge and then rolls inwards, finishing approximately perpendicular to the surface. Contact is spread around the arches of the foot, holding the knee and hip aligned, before pushing off into the next stride. A neutral running gait is one of the two most common types of pronation, and the best running shoes for a neutral pronator are cushioned shoes that allow the foot to continue in this pattern. Our staff will recommend you a range of trainers based on the type of running you are doing and your individual needs, these can be checked on the treadmill for both suitability and comfort.

Overpronation

Overpronation of the foot is the other most common variation of pronation type. As the foot lands, the ankle rolls inwards in an excessive or uncontrolled manner. Generally, the knees will also come together, and the hips may rotate and drop. This can cause overpronation pain and is associated with a wide range of common injuries in the foot, knee and even in the back. The best running shoes for overpronation are supportive and stable running trainers, which match to their individual degree of pronation (deviation) at the ankle and knee. The method and type of support may vary between brands and models, this is where our running experts can help you find the best running shoe for overpronation that is specifically chosen for you individual needs and then tested out on the treadmill.

Underpronation or Supination

As the name suggests, this is the opposite of overpronation. This isn’t a common type of pronation, and it occurs when the foot strikes the ground on its edge but does not fully roll in when absorbing the landing impact. As the foot is more rigid, an under pronator or supinator would be advised to wear a neutral running shoe with good cushioning. In some cases, a shoe with supportive guide-rail technology may be recommended to help direct the foot inwards.

The Up & Running Gait Analysis Experience

There is nothing quite like getting you gait analysed in-store. Using the latest software, years of experience and the ability to try on a range of different shoes makes our gait analysis one of a kind! Our gait analysis and shoe fitting process are all about you.

Our staff will take you through the process one on one and offer shoe recommendations based on the gait assessment and combined with your running goals and running history. This is where our award-winning customer service and years of industry knowledge come in to create a unique in-store experience. During your gait analysis, other factors such as your posture, running cadence or rhythm and more will be considered. Our team is always happy to help and advise you so you can get the most out of your running and you are always welcome to test out any of our recommendations on the treadmill to see if they work for you. Once you have found the best running shoes our staff will be happy to help you with any questions you may have, from a new pair of running socks to go with your shoes or investing in a technical running bra. Don’t just take our word for it though, check out the reviews of all our happy customers by clicking here!

Where can you get a Gait Analysis?

Find your nearest gait analysis in your local Up & Running store today. Enter your postcode below.

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Foot Arch Type

In addition to the running pronation style, there is also your foot arch type to consider. Like running style, foot arch type is assessed on a spectrum ranging from a high arch through normal arch to flat or low arch, so your arch type may not exactly match the examples shown.

By simply observing your foot when you stand, walk or move will give you a great indication of your arch type. You can also complete the Wet Foot Test which gives you an insight into your foot type.

Different Foot Arch Types

Low Arch or Flat Foot

We recommend a supportive shoe.

The arch of your foot is low and collapsing inward when you run. The more severe your degree of pronation the flatter the arch will be, when you run the arches will collapse and more of your foot is in contact with the ground for a longer period causing more impact.

Normal Arch

We recommend a neutral shoe.

The arch of your foot is the most common foot type and your arch supports your bodyweight and allows the impact of running to be distributed across the foot.

High Arch

We recommend a neutral shoe.

The arch of your foot is high and although this doesn’t necessarily cause pain, it can leave the foot feeling more fatigued and sorer. Wider fitting or more accommodating shoes can be of help these allow the foot to splay naturally.

MotionMetrix - 3D Running Gait Analysis

MotionMetrix is a 3D Running Gait Analysis and gait assessment that is available in our Teddington shop. It gives you a highly accurate biomechanical profile allowing a highly technical analysis of your running form. Assessing a range of areas from your running economy, stride characteristics, an in depth look at your running gait, skeletal movement and power and impact.

This process takes a little longer than our traditional gait analysis, as it goes into much more detail, you will also get all your results emailed directly over to you. Which is great to share with your running coach, physiotherapist or your running mates.

Just like our traditional gait analysis, you can test out a range of different shoes and see how each running trainer is affecting your running style, but with a much greater understanding on how different shoes effect your running form, efficient and impact. This service is ideal for any runners looking to really understand their running biomechanics or runners looking for ways to improve their training.

*This service needs to be booked in advance with a trained team member, please contact the stores to book an appointment. This service can take around 1 hour to complete and costs £60.