Understanding gait analysis

At Running Hub we often use the phrase ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ when it comes to running shoes. Running shoes fall in to different categories and, while it might be tempting to buy something online, we often find that people buy shoes that are simply not right for them or their feet. This is why we always do gait analysis with every customer in store. It helps us determine which shoe is best for the runner.

To start the gait analysis process with you, we will talk to you about your current running, any running goals you might have, previous medical history and any current injuries that might be affecting the way you run.

How is gait analysis done?

To start with, we will put you in a neutral shoe and get you running on our treadmill for around 20-30 seconds. This will allow us to look at how you are landing, where you are landing and for any misalignments biomechanically within the ankles or knees.

Once we have finished recording your running, we will show you a frame-by-frame replay. By looking at how you run, and taking into consideration your running goals and any previous injuries, we can understand what type of shoe will suit you best.

From example, if you over-pronate we will recommend three or four different shoes as these shoe types support people in different ways. We will look at how the different shoes affect your feet and show you the results. Of course, comfort is an important factor but so is stability and how it feels on the foot. Sometimes there you might be deciding between two shoes you like; other times, there will be a clear winner based on comfort and efficacy.

The whole process takes about 20 minutes. With the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, we are operating a booking system that can be found here.

Foot types

Pronation refers to the way in which your foot rolls inwards as it strikes the floor. It’s your body’s way of distributing impact, and a natural part of the gait cycle. Understanding your pronation type is important for selecting the right type of running shoe and ultimately could help you to avoid injury.

– Overpronation

Around 70% of the population overpronate, so this is by far the most common pronation type amongst runners. As the foot is planted it rolls inward excessively, transferring weight to the inner edge instead of centering it on the ball of the foot. It’s usually seen in runners with low arches or flat feet.

– Underpronation

Sometimes called supination, this is when the outer side of the foot strikes the ground at a steeper than normal angle with little or no movement inward, causing a jarring effect, and a large transmission of shock through the lower leg. It’s usually seen in runners with high arches.

– Neutral

Neutral pronation occurs when the foot lands on the outer edge and then rolls inward in a controlled manner, distributing weight evenly and helping to absorb shock. On push off, there is an even distribution of pressure from the front of the foot.