Gait analysis done - glad I did!

[Lovefood1984]

So now that I'm increasing the miles training for the great north run I decided it was time for gait analysis. I'd been running in a neutral shoe sold to me by a running shop 2 years ago but without gait analysis (I hasten to add I've not been running 2 years, the shoes would be shot!, I've only put mileage on them since I started c25k late Oct). I went to Sweatshop in the Metrocentre and the guy was great! Turns out although I have a normal arch my feet roll inwards and need a support shoe not a neutral one (all shown to me on their slow mo camera). Glad I haven't done any damage to myself (apparently although I was running in the wrong pair I was running in a top of the range shoe, I had no clue they were a sale bargain) very happy I've had it done, trainers to prevent injury are a lot cheaper than physio!

I'd highly reccomend Sweatshop, the guy wasn't pushy at all (they make you custom insoles during the analysis but don't put you under pressure to buy them, I didn't although I could see the benefit but the cost of the shoes was enough for the day! He didn't make me feel bad for saying no) they also allow you to return shoes run with outdoors if you've had gait analysis done for another pair if you're not happy for any reason. oh and he told me if you mention you do parkrun you should get 10% off all their non sale stuff all day everyday

Can't wait to try these bad boys out, you can't miss me in them, happy running everyone!

[Treemouse Graduate]

They look too gorgeous to get dirty! You've encouraged me to get mine done. They charge £15 for gait analysis at my local, independent running shop, is this about right?

[Hidden in reply to Treemouse]

If you buy the shoes from them they shouldn't charge you anything. You might be better with a 'big name' store such as Sweatshop (many people recommend them) or Up and Running (my own preference). I've heard that some places do charge if you don't buy the shoes from them and it averages about £10 a time. Best wishes.

[Treemouse Graduate]

Thanks Fitmo. They did say that I wouldn't pay for it if I bought their trainers, but most of their trainers were about £100. Maybe this is normal, but I'm afraid I'm in the Sports Direct price range at the minute!

[Smelliepoo Graduate in reply to Treemouse]

If you can go for the £100 ones (even if you have to wait a little longer) then it is worth the difference. Sports direct are unlikely to have enough training to understand gait and support needs for running. Each person is different and even each foot is different too! So we need different types of shoe. I understand that it is not always that easy (I chose to run in part because it was 'free' but I think I have spent more money on this than I have in any other exercise I have done!) but if it is possible then have a think about it and make sure you go somewhere really small with all the knowledge (read my boast post, that whole experience was amazing) to make that amount of money worth it!

[Lovefood1984 Graduate]

Hi treemouse, I remember reading someone on here that got some from sweatshop for less than £50 because they were sale shoes, unfortunately mine were £105 but I got them for £90 as parkrun give you a £15 off voucher when you do your first run. I decided a good pair of shoes were cheaper than my £100 physio excess I paid twice last year due to a chronic neck injury obtained from a total body exercise class. I'm still only 85% recovered and the pain in my neck reminds me of how bad it is to ignore injuries. If you really can't afford the more expensive shoes then yes, I'd highly recommend getting it done and then seeing what's the best you can get for your money.

[notbad Graduate]

I must give 'Sweatshop' a go, thanks for the top tip about 10% off, & my local is the Metrocentre one too. I got gait analysis done this week but at DW Sports in Royal Quays, and I over pronate too so will get support shoes next time. For the moment have got orthotics in my Nike frees which are doing the trick I'm pleased to say - I've had peroneal tendonitis, which I'm fairly sure was caused by my over pronation. Totally agree with you about getting best shoes you can, I will be doing so when I next buy.

[Lovefood1984 Graduate in reply to notbad]

I didn't realise DW did gait, it would have been closer than the metrocentre but I still think Sweatshop would have won since I'd heard so much about them on here (I think it's also the only one in the North East) I was so tempted to go buy a cheaper pair of Nikes just like the ones I had from the outlet at Royal Quays, so glad my sense won instead of my wallet (it was hard, I love a bargain!)

[notbad Graduate in reply to Lovefood1984]

Sweatshop seem to have the best return policy so that alone is a good reason to pick them, think I will be making a trip there soon. If you don't mind my asking is Whitley Bay your local parkrun?

[Lovefood1984 Graduate in reply to notbad]

I'm slap bang in the middle between the Newcastle and Whitley Bay park run (live in Wallsend) and signed up for the newcastle one but I do think a nice run along the sea front may be in order one Saturday, I've only been to two park runs since I like my lie in's after a busy work week and prefer afternoon running

[notbad Graduate in reply to Lovefood1984]

I don't blame you But if you ever get along to Whitley Bay then feel free to message me as that's my nearest.

[Lovefood1984 Graduate in reply to notbad]

Will do

[I_will Graduate]

Oh, they look so good! I just like looking at my trainers sometimes!

[Lovefood1984 Graduate in reply to I_will]

Thank you