What is gait analysis?
Gait analysis is a way of helping us determine which shoe is best for you based on your individual running style. Running Center retail locations offer complimentary gait analysis with shoe purchase ($15 value).  Appointments are encouraged but not necessary, although without an appointment there may be a short wait at times.

How is gait analysis done?
To begin with, we will put you in a neutral shoe and have you run on our store track for around 30 seconds. This will allow us to look at how you are landing and whether there is any misalignment with the ankles or knees. Once we have finished recording you 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 help you understand what type of shoe will suit you best. Next, we have you try on the proper shoe type for your running style and record you once again so that you can see the correction that the proper shoe can make to your gait. After that it is just a matter of finding the shoe within your class of running style that is the most comfortable for you. We have lots for you to try so you are sure to find the very best fit for you!  Our Aetrex 3D Foot Scanner enhances our already awesome fit process, ensuring the perfect fit and injury prevention.

Understanding Pronation
Pronation refers to the way in which your foot rolls forward 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 it could help you to avoid injury.

Overpronation
Around 70% of the population overpronate, so this is by far the most common pronation type among 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. Overpronating runners will need a stability shoe.

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. Underpronating runners will need a neutral shoe.

Neutral Pronation
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, with no visible movement either inward or outward as in the other two types of pronation.  A neutral pronating runner will need a neutral shoe.

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