Gait analysis worth it?

[Ray1972]

I’m on week 3 and enjoying it but still have shin pain towards the end of the runs - is it worth investing in gait analysis and probably expensive running trainers - does this generally solve shin pain?

[sallenson Graduate]

Sorting out your footwear is always your first port of call for any physical niggles. Find a decent local running shop who'll do a free analysis and find some unbelievably comfy shoes for you

[alisonx Graduate]

I would say before investing in some expensive shoes - try doing some strengthening exercises first for your lower legs/ ankles and see if this makes a difference. It could just be your muscles adapting.

Most places do offer free gait - but not sure what the protocol is on the 'need to buy' because you have had the service. Also - I have noted a lot of people on here who have had the analysis and all seem to have come out having spend £120+ on new trainers - and commonly the Brooks Ghost 10 - which makes me think it is all a ploy to sell a specific trainer???

maybe i am just skeptical (note i have not been for gait and have now been running for 3 months)

good luck in whatever you decide and hope the pain eases off soon x

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to alisonx]

I didnt spend that much and didnt come out with Ghosts.

The individual usually has a choice of shoes that will suit following analysis. I had four different makes my first time round. I choose the ones that felt best.

Yes it is worth it if you go to a good specialist shop, and if you intend continuing to run. Once you start adding distance its really important to have correct support etc.

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Same experience here Millsie-J except I did buy expensive ones (not Ghosts) because they felt the best!

Was offered about six different pairs to try ranging from £35-£130. No hard sell just tried them on and discussed prices after. I would definitely recommend it Ray1972 - I didn't have shin pain but did have achy knees and I don't now! Mine was done at my local independent running shop and the owner was incredibly knowledgable and gave me lots of general running advice as well x

[Goforitmama Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

My experience is the same as Millie-j. Listen to what kind of shoes they recommend, ask why, ask how do I identify that type of shoe on the shelf (they should give you pointers as to what to look for on the sole / upper). You know how much similar shoes cost elsewhere, then you decide.

A good shop should be able to give you a few options and will also show you suitable shoes that have been reduced (if they have any).

My local running store does not charge for the test and has always put me in really good shoes. Going alone and not getting advice can be expensive because you just buy the wrong shoe.

Good runners can even make you feel a bit springy when you run. I've not had any injuries, but niggly little aches do fade with proper shoes.

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Same here. A lovely chap in an independent running shop (who's been running for 40 years) spent an hour with me, watching me run, and bringing out a never-ending selection of shoes to try on. He solved my shin splints with a great lesson on how to shorten my stride ("Assassin"), and we agreed a budget for the shoes that I was comfortable with. I spent about £100.

Buy a pair of £30 trainers from a website without gait analysis and professional advice, and you'll be spending the £70 that you saved on physiotherapy in about 3 months.

[AliK0871 Graduate]

YES, YES & YES!!!! Once you know what shoes you require shop around plenty of sales. Sports shoes.com very good

[RobW73 Graduate]

I had an analysis done and found I was gait neutral. The salesdroid was going through the ones appropriate for me with makes I'd never heard of, being a non runner.

I tried on three pairs of expensive ones and used their treadmill. I then had to leave, as my achilles was a bit sore. I got them to note down the ones I tried.

I then went to look in another shop with cheaper options.

The advice I got from this forum was to go for the ones that felt most comfortable. I did that and bought the Brooks Ghost 10s.

I took the advice of a neighbour who is a runner and looked at the recommended web sites for discounted last years models, but I saw none in my size.

In the end, I went back and got the Ghosts, despite the price. They have served me well so far and I did notice the difference running in them.

I could have got some Adidas ones from SportsDirect for about half the price, but I went with what felt most comfortable.

By the way, I am not especially wealthy, so I did not take the decision lightly.

[F1ipperation Graduate]

Definitely worth it - I had some achilles / lower calf issues in week 3. I have one “bad leg” with some limited foot movement from a childhood break. (I’m now 56!). I went to specialist shop who did the gait analysis and identified the problem. Amazing technology these days ! They videoed my running technique and also gave me great advice for the future and also a couple of strengthening exercises. The shoes 👟 I came out with are soooo comfortable to run in and for me, well worth the time and investment. The whole process took about 30mins !

Well worth googling about the shop first to find out more about them- associations with local running clubs, reviews etc etc

Hope this helps.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I had gait analysis. I took in my runners. They told me they were great shoes but not for me. My feet are so awful! I need lots of support. Money well spent. I run pain free now.

[Marvo69 Graduate]

I'm no expert, let's make that very clear!

I spoke today, not to a sports shop, but to a podiatrist and bio mechanical orthopedic surgeon (long story!)

I asked him about the benefits of having a gait analysis and moulded orthotics or specific shoes. He sat very firmly on the fence as to the necessity. The one message that was clear, was that if you are comfortable, have no pain beyond expected muscular ache, no injury, etc, then there is no need to go looking for a problem or falling for the 'ruse of needing special shoes'.

If you have pain, see a physio or podiatrist as there may be 'a hundred other factors to consider'.

I realise this may be heresy to say on this forum as there seems to be huge support for the gait analysis. Just relaying what I heard.

Personally, I'm on week 8, no gait analysis, 3 stone overweight, decent trainers about 40 quid Asics and no problems than expected muscular ache.

Each to their own though...

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Marvo69]

I have to say I was sceptical about it because I have had no foot pain. I had gait analysis today as I wanted to invest in a decent pair of shoes for my feet as I mostly run on pavements.

Guess what? I have a “neutral” gait. But the only way of knowing that is to get it tested out. I’ve posted my experience earlier today.

There was no pressure and no question of “you’ll have to buy something”.

I would follow the advice frequently given on here: if you get pain running, have gait analysis done and see what the video shows.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I notice that no one has mentioned the fact that most good sports shops will give you a 30 day unconditional guarantee if you buy shoes following a gait analysis - which is usually free anyway. How can you say fairer than that? They check you out for nothing, and give you the chance to return your shoes, covered in mud if that's how they are at the end of a month, and they will refund your money or find you another pair...what's not to like?

Yes, I suffered shin splints when I first started running, I had no idea about running shoes until I found this forum. I asked for advice here, that's when I learnt about gait analysis. I went, got analysed, got my shoes - no more pain... and no, I've never been offered Ghosts...

[Irish-John Graduate]

I spent about two weeks asking every runner (obviously when they were walking after their session ) I could find in the local Parks etc where they would recommend I go to get shoes. Pretty soon, two places were obviously favoured. I went to both, got pretty much the same kind fo service/advice etc. Liked one slightly better than the other, went back a different day toa different Clerk and ended up spending a hell of a lot more than I wanted to on the pair of shoes that have lasted me almost two years now They are due for a replacement but it literally only is in the last couple of weeks I'm noticing they feel a bit 'wobbly'.

When I think of all the mney I used to cheerfully throw across a bar counter or in a cigarette machine or - well, I don't really regret this - wining and dining fine ladies...the shoes are the least of my expenditures on my lifetime enjoyment

[Jonno34 Graduate]

You could start with looking at suggestions on sportshoes.com

[wagshaz]

Yes! I'm only W2 but can honestly say after only one run in my new shoes it's totally worth it. What price on protecting your joints and back?