Do I need gait analyses?

[Healthyfirst]

I have had my trainers about 5 years still ok if a little worn. I am going to buy some new ones, is gait analysis needed or not? Reading for and against on line very confusing.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This is my thoughts on the issue healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[E27M14 Graduate]

I didn’t because I was too self-conscious to go to the run shop. But also I could feel my ankles rolling inwards as I was running so I knew I needed a fair amount of support. I also have really wide feet so the choice was quite limited.

[damienair Graduate]

It’s an investment if you want to run long term. Worth it long term. But expensive if your not going to go longer than 6 months. I’ve my shoes 2 years. Best money ever spent. I’ll be going back to the same shop for my new shoes this summer.

Damien

[MarkyD Graduate]

Running shoes (and perhaps, running bra for some ladies) are the most important pieces of equipment for our running. I believe that it is worth getting some professional, experienced advice from someone who can spend the time with you, understand your needs and recommend some shoes that suit both your running, and your budget.

I fail to understand how some people post on this forum "Can someone recommend some shoes", or "I'm going to buy brand XXX what are they like?" or even "I went to Sports Direct and they sold me some Karrimor trainers, are they OK?".

Go chat to a runner at your local independent running store. They are going to be your best friend, and you are going to buy all of your kit from them. No doubt they'll help you select some shoes that suit your needs, and also give you a money-back guarantee.

Now, specifically about gait analysis. Yes, I believe a professional at your local independent running store is going to use gait analysis to help them with their running shoe prescription. You want them to use the best possible tools to help them recommend the right shoes.

Imagine that you get a health condition. You could get a diagnosis & prescription from a website and purchase the drugs from an online pharmacy based in China. But you wouldn't. And you wouldn't say "I've been reading online and a report that said visiting my GP wasn't really necessary". No, you would want the best advice using the best diagnostic equipment. Same with your running shoes. They are one of the few things that are going to stop you getting injured. So I cannot stress it enough: go and consult with an expert for your running shoes. And that expert is not based in a warehouse at your local retail park.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Almost certainly... if not then they will tell you after gait analysis! I know that’s crazy, but it’s what happened to me!

There’s no direct proof that it reduces injuries, but there’s a lot to be said for running in the most comfortable shoes. Also, the contrasting views consider injury rate, and never seem to factor in recovery rate... from anecdotal evidence I’m of the thinking that injuries still come but aren’t as severe on average.

[sofiaO Graduate]

I had gait analysis today for the first time. What was really helpful was they let you test run in a number of different trainers on the treadmill so you can find the most comfortable ones. Ended up buying a pair but only time will tell!

[Chester01 Graduate]

I went and had mine done and am so glad I did, got lots of great tips and bought a pair of shoes that have been amazing and fitted like a glove since day 1. Personally I feel it’s well worth it.

[RainhamRunner]

I got gait analysis at about week 3 when I thought, yes I want to be a runner and shoes are really all I need. So I went to a run shop for free gait analysis and shoe advice on style and fit. Also pick the shoe for road or off road or park running. I do all road running and was advised to wear half a size bigger.

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Imho absolutely yes.

The chap in local shop was fantastic. Explained that I was on C25k and he asked about my running ambitions after that (5k is far enough for me ) went through some other stuff like what surfaces I run on. Very comprehensive 👍

A quick jog on the treadmill and he was able to show me in slow mo my foot action, what this meant and what I needed to correct it. I then test drove 3 different pairs outside on the pavement with him checking how my feet landed.

They also allow you to take the shoes back should you find that they don't work for you on a longer run but had no probs with mine.

Just be prepared that your new trainers will not last you 5 years this time round 😁 after a time you will have battered all the support and cushioning out of them! I believe there is a mileage rule of thumb but I can't remember what it is 🙈

If you stick a post up with your general area the good forum folks will be able to recommend a good shop near you x

[Healthyfirst]

Thank you for all your advice, made up my mind, early Mother's Day present for me ! (Well £20 contribution from the kids) 😂 definitely going to purchase.

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Healthyfirst]

You know it's the HU law that you have to post a photo of them🤩

[Healthyfirst in reply to Jell6]

Will definitely do that can't wait now! 😀