What is gait analysis?
Gait analysis is a way of helping us determine which shoe is best for you.
To start the gait analysis process with you, we will talk to you about your current running, any future aspirations with running and any previous injuries that may affect the way you run.
How is gait analysis done?
To begin with, we will get you in to your bare feet and get you running on our track for around 20-30 seconds. We will video record you running and then use slow mo to 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.
We will then use the gait test to ensure we find the running shoe that works best for you. Comfort is key, as well as support, depending on the mileage you plan to run. Depending on your running style, stability elements in a shoe may help control the movement inwards at the ankles.
At Spun Run we stock all types of runners with various amounts of Cushion, Support, Widths etc. So there is something for everybody, regardless of your running style.
What is Pronation?
Pronation is way in which your foot rolls as it contacts 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.
There are three pronation types:
1) 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.
Recommended shoe: Stability
2) 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.
Recommended shoe: Neutral
3) 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.
Recommended shoe: Neutral