Gait analysis vs paper test

[Running_Giraffe]

I was wondering if anyone has bought shoes using both or even just the paper test and can recommend.

I have 1 shop near me that do gait analysis however looking at their stock they only do 3 pairs in my size which makes me feel like they'll tell me my feet will suit one of those just for a sale.

I've done the wet paper test and I follow the norm with a normal arch height which makes makes it easier just to look at shoes for that type and buy from somewhere like Sports Direct.

Anyone with any experience able to help?

Currently run in Gel Kayanos which are fairly old (by fairly I mean very) and I don't think I can afford another pair of them 😂

[damienair Graduate]

Why not try another running shop with a larger range. If I were you I would find a good independent running shop and get a gait analysis. It is very well worth it. Most important gear you will ever find is your running shoes. Choose wisely. I almost have mine 2 years, so will have to buy new shoes soon. Im going back to the same shop for my new shoes as they put me right the first time.

Damien

[Running_Giraffe Graduate in reply to damienair]

It's the independent store that has little stock my size. I'm going to give them a go though, they seem to get good reviews on forums I've looked at.

I know Sports Direct have zero trained staff and I've heard Grieves isn't the greatest either.

[MarkyD Graduate]

I recognise your concerns with both the stock in your local shop and your budget. However, a reputable running shop (I mean, one that specialises in selling to runners) is not going to recommend something just because they have it in stock. With the prevalence of online shops, the physical specialist store HAS to offer something appropriate (and have their reputation to maintain). And once you've been in for gait analysis, they'll want to keep you as a customer for all your running needs like jackets and capris and buffs and gloves and water bottles and trail shoes and marathon gel-packs and new vests...

Could you go into your local specialist, have gait analysis and be honest with them about your budget? The local shop is likely to have access to last year's model, or a more unfashionable colour-way that they can discount for you. And even know about the margin that they make on different brands and could come up with something suitable (both for your gait, and for your budget). And of course it is not just gait, but stiffness and flexibility and mileage and support and surface (road, grass, trail).

My experience tells me that the assistants in a warehouse (for example Sports Direct) will be happy to sell you absolutely anything (and may not even understand pronation) and you could end up with something not suitable.

Of all the items that you can purchase for running, I believe that shoes are the things to get professional advice about. It really can make the difference between enjoying your running and ending up on the injury couch.

Whatever you do and wherever you get your shoes, don't forget to post a photo of them on this site when you have them.

[Running_Giraffe Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

The local one is the specialised shop and they do pop up on all the forums I look at but when I see 3 pairs in a size 3 it worries me they'll just want a sale.

Part of my doubt comes from the fact I worked in Sports Direct so that's why I know people sell for a sale and not for ethical reasons lol and not a single person in there was trained to give advice.

I think I'll pop in and explain. I don't mind even paying for the analysis and a recommendation of a good shoe but 2 of their 3 pairs are the Nike Reacts which are over £120 🙈 my budget is currently half of that 😂

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to Running_Giraffe]

I bet if you go into the specialist store and tell them you have a £60 budget, they'll find something for you (even if they have to order it in specially). Even better, go in to a chat and a fitting, then let them get in some shoes of the right size, then go back for a road-test of the samples.

[Running_Giraffe Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

That's what I'll do. I think due to working in pushy sales environments I get worried everywhere is the same and just out to take what they can get.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Having read about the wet paper test I can see that it may well give you an idea of your likely shoe type, but it is a static test and a proper gait analysis enables you to see the actual action of your feet when running.

If you read my post on buying shoes healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you will see that I am an advocate of gait analysis, especially for new runners. You can learn so much about your running style by having a gait analysis.

Sports Direct........Karrimors are always going to be their first recommendation, but the staff training is frankly abysmal in my opinion. My last pair of Karrimors trail shoes disintegrated prematurely.....never again.

[Running_Giraffe Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

From working in Sports Direct in the past I can tell you that staff got commission on Karrimor trainers and running socks. Staff were never trained to give out running advice (Inc myself who sold football boots and had no idea the difference of grass, ash and turf)

I'll go to an indepentent store and just see what they can do. Hopefully they can help me on a budget.

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

It may well be that you’ll need a larger size as feet spread and swell when you run, plus they should be able to order stuff in if they don’t have it in stock. It’s in their interests to supply you with the correct shoe in the right size at the right price so you go back in future. Hope it goes well 🤞