Gait analysis involves analysis of the foot motion during your normal running action.

What types of runner are there?

Neutral runner : A neutral runner is someone who has a gait of 0-3 degrees (suffers from very little or no pronation) They will often strike on the outside of the heel and follow through the stride and push off the outside of the big toe (this is often reffered to as the heel to toe transition) People who run using only their fore-foot and toes are usually neutral. 

 Supinator : Supination in the foot occurs when a person appears "bow-legged" with their weight supported primarily on the anterior of their feet

 Pronator : A pronated foot is one in which the heel bone angles inward and the arch tends to collapse. A "knock-kneed" person has overly pronated feet. This flattens the arch as the foot strikes the ground in order to absorb shock when the heel hits the ground, and to assist in balance during mid-stance. If habits develop, this action can lead to foot pain as well as knee pain, shin splints, achilles tendonitits and plantar fasciitis

Please note : The way you stand and walk is not necesarily the way you run, some people stand and walk in a pronating position, but maybe when they run, they might run on their fore-foot, this would actually make them a neutral runner

What we do.

Instore we use the 'Dartfish' video gait analysis software

Video analysis involves taking a video recording of you running on a treadmill which can then be played back for detailed analysis.

First off we will run you in a neutral running shoe so that any irregularities with your gait will show up better, if it transpires that you are a neutral runner (gait of 3 degrees and under) it will be a case of trying the different neutral shoes to find the best fit and most comfortable for you.

What if I am not a neutral runner?

If you are a supanator  then you would need to look at a heavily cushioned shoe e.g. Asics Gel  Nimbus.

If you are a pronator  then we would find out to what degree, and then choose a model from the various manufactures that we stock. The model of pronating shoe is dependent on the amount of pronation in the foot (mild, moderate, heavy and motion control) An example of a moderate pronation shoe is the Saucony Omni 6.

How long does it take?

It is recommended that you allow at least an hour for the analysis, for a neutral runner or supinator it could be as little as 15 minutes, for a pronator it will unfortunately take a bit longer due to the fact that the biomechanics of each shoe works differently depending on the person as there is no set shoe for a 5 degree gait

How much does it cost?