Gait analysis: not an exact science?

Ooh pictures please! I need to see the shoes you have been fondling!

I have had conflicting advice re gait analysis and have bought far too many running shoes as a result. Regardless of whatever science may or may not be involved, I feel that I run more happily in a neutral shoe. I don't get along so well with the more stable ones, though I have to admit that the very boring old Asics GT 1000-6 (?? may not be correct name), which is supposed to be a stability shoe, has proved to be excellent especially for longer distances on uneven terrain. It's uninspiring but I so often find myself reaching for it.

Am intrigued by On shoes - everyone seems to rave about them and they are definitely nicer looking than most.

No science whatsoever! Just choose the shoes that you feel comfortable in.

Haven't got them yet, Helene! Had to order them in to store as they didn't have my size, but should have them soon. On are an interesting brand. They don't actually make shoes for specific gaits; they claim that the shoes adapt to all gaits. I have only ever heard positive things about them…so very curious to try them. My ASICS have done me proud, but I just felt I needed a lighter shoe, and a half size bigger now I am running for longer. I promise to post a picture the minute I have them!

Have not heard from you in ages! I hope that you are doing well, dear Helene. x

I know that feeling Sadie, same happened to me....ended up being £110 out of pocket! 😠

Enjoy your new shoes, as I said, my bro loves his Cloudflows 🤗

A 'gait analysis' can be carried out by any well-meaning sales assistant, who will give you an authoritive diagnosis even though it is not really your 'gait' that they have analysed.

If you want to get a 'proper' analysis you would need to go to one of those labs the professionals go to where they look at more than just your feet. This article explains the situation well: runnersconnect.net/running-...

As roseabi says, choose trainers you feel comfortable in.

The guy at our best local run shop, is a brill runner, and is always racing on all kinds of terrains and he does love the Cloud family. There’s a new one recently out

You are lucky! I am not entirely convinced some of the people I have spoken to really know what they are talking about… One guy keeps pushing me toward ultra cushioned shoes that I know I do not need; I am wanting to get away from heavier shoes!

I'm dreaming of clouds now Sadie.... they sound wonderful

..just need to wear my Asics out a bit more first!😊x

Must - run - with - greater - consistency!! 😀

Alternatively...

The first guy had a squint in one eye! 😂

Lovely! I love reading your posts about your running-shoe love affair

Funny what you say about gait analysis. When, to my shame, I couldn't get the hang of treadmill running, the chap just looked at me walking and declared that I under-pronate, which makes sense. I'd come to that conclusion from my own research. I'm skeptical about these fancy treadmill/camera setups. In the end I just got myself some inserts, and it's all good!

A man ran past me yesterday when I walked home from work and he was over-pronating so badly in his running shoes that I genuinely worried for his ankles 😣 I think gait analysis is interesting if you don't know much about the mechanics of feet, as would be the case for the majority of new runners I would have thought. It helps you narrow down the endless wall of shoe options too! I ended up feeling I could trust my shop as without giving anything away to them at all they were able to spot my hypermobility and also made me try on four different pairs of shoes, and talked me through the slow motion video of me running in each. It took about forty minutes, and although I'd gone in saying I'd be happy to walk out without shoes if I didn't like their sales approach I felt confident enough to buy the second pair I tried on. I think there's also a lot to be said for a shop that will accept a 30 day return on a shoe they have recommended, used or otherwise! I suspect the trustworthiness of each shop can vary dramatically however, and enthusiasm is also no substitute for knowledge...

I have had a pair of cloudflyers in an online basket for weeks now. This chat is not helping me resist!

Glad to hear you have had a good experience - I think I have just been unlucky! I’ll let you know how I get on with my On shoes once I get them. They are supposed to be good for any gait...but maybe not severe over pronators?

I was having lots of Achilles problems running and a friend advised me to consult a sports podiatrist (this was in France). He spent 30 mins analysing me and then custom made some insoles for me. I then bought some neutral running shoes and used theses insoles - - the problem is solved ! The insoles were not cheap but worth every penny/€

Finally, you will get your shoes.... and that’s interesting re the gait analysis...

My size 11 spades looking as if put together by a hapless sculptor, definitely need proper analysis and l went to a place run by runners who look after you, a lab if you wish. They saw me three times, each time different people, and got it right every time. Hence me running like an agitated gazelle, pain free, wind in the hair.