Gait Analysis - is it essential?

[DrEdFullyunfit]

Hey folks

I’ve just completed W3/R2 in my rather old and worn out Nike trainers.

I suffer with knee issues and plantar fasciitis so I need to do everything possible to ensure I don’t exacerbate these - especially as I have a physical job that relies on my knees and legs being operational!

I think I need to upgrade to running shoes ASAP as my knees and feet are pretty sore now. My problem is that my nearest place that offers gait analysis is a three hour round trip from me (the joy of rural living). Luckily, I have a running shop in my nearest town. They don’t have a gait analysis machine any more as they said they can do everything by eye that the machine does. I’m not sure whether to make the long trip for the gait analysis or go with the local expert.

Is the machine really any better than a well trained eye?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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[JaoJao]

In the absence of a local shop for gait analysis there is an easier way to determine your gait... if your running shoes are worn out now... turn them upside down and look at the wear of the shoe... is it even/uneven, left to right and heel to toe. This would determine if you need a neutral shoe or a stability shoe.

I would have said you probably don’t need a gait analysis at the c25k level but as you’ve mentioned knee issues and plantar fasciitis it would be beneficial to ascertain your running style will not compound this.

I’ve only this week been for my first ever gait analysis and that’s after 10 months of running! Once I’d reached 10k

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to JaoJao]

I definitely needed it at C25K level, 3 or 4 runs post graduation I was on the IC for around 8 weeks and seeing a sports physio.

The correct shoes sorted that issue out.

DrEdFullyunfit , you only need it doing once😊

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Agreed. I'd say useful, but not essential unless you start running regular long distances. Talk to the staff in your running shop and take your old trainers with you. If they don't ask the right questions, take the time to let you try on and move around in as many pairs of shoes as you feel the need to, and only seem interested in making a sale, run away.

I'd only add that I'm clearly not an expert.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

My flat feet and poor shoe choice contributed to a serious knee injury soon after l started the program. It healed after 3 months so l carried on but then the ankle popped out. Another 4 months off. Then it was gait time and all issues stopped.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Good to hear you got it sorted. I guess maybe I've just been lucky (so far🤞).

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Bad injury puts things into perspective. Prevention works much better.

[Rigpig Graduate]

I have very flat feet and my right foot points outward a little. I have two pairs of trainers. One New Balance ultra light pair that I had before starting running and a newer Nike pair that are specifically designed for running shorter distances. I wear my shoes out unevenly but at this stage I have not had a gait analysis done and don't have any problems. I did have knee issues around weeks 2 to 4 but a brace helped and it soon passed. Now that I'm in for the long haul and intend to increase my distance over time I will wait until the next time I need running shoes and go for the full Monty, Rolls Royce treatment with gait analysis and expensive shoes. Until then I think I will be fine. The knee brace really helped me but it was only for a couple of weeks, I went for almost the most expensive one available and was able to try on at least half a dozen pairs before buying. The one I chose felt "right" and supportive as soon as I put it on.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

My local independent running shop also does gait analysis by eye. It is a dedicated running shop and many people from local running clubs and parkrun use it as it has a good reputation. They allow you to run in the shoes outside to get a real feel for them. So if yours is similar it might be worth checking it out. What you do need to beware of is brand shops or general sports shops with staff who are not properly trained to give you the advice you need.

As a first check, the Brooks website has a shoe finder page, which takes you through a few questions and give you an indication of the type of shoe you might need for your body but there is nothing like trying a few pairs on to see how they suit.

Good luck, and let us know what you choose.

[DrEdFullyunfit]

Thank you everyone for your help. It was really useful reading all your opinions.

I’ve decided to go to the local shop which does the gait analysis by eye. I’ve asked around and they have a good reputation with the local running groups and have been in business for a long time. I’ve already been in once and asked lots of questions. They said they would have me running in different shoes, they asked me to bring in my current shoes, they asked how long I’m running for and on what surface. Lots of questions that point to them being a good choice. I then walked out without purchasing and they seemed fine with that.

I’ve had a look at the online gait analysis pages, brooks etc (thanks for the pointers) and everything is seems to be very clearly pointing to me having underpronation - I do have high arches and that wet foot test thing just gave me a footprint with no middle section at all!

I’m going to try and get new shoes over the weekend. I’m a bit worried about stock levels as I’m a size 4 and often seem to have a limited choice of shoes as a result. Wish me luck for something which is the perfect fit, snazzy looking and in the sale

Off to complete w3/r3 now - not looking forward to the w4 jump next week so hopefully new shoes will give me a boost!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. This forum is such a help