Need new trainers. Do you need a gait analysis in a running shop ….? 🤔

[Runforthedress]

Hello, I’m thinking about investing in some new running trainers when I graduate this week 🤞🏻. I wanted to ask the general opinion: Is it sensible to book a gait analysis? A shop near me charges £60 before you’ve even bought the trainers! 😞. Any thoughts welcome … thanks

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Is that money redeemable against the trainers? That’s a lot just as a one off payment and I haven’t come across any shops around here that charge like that.

Gait analysis is definitely worth it. Once you know what suits, it’s much easier to buy the same style again.

Should have said, really good luck for your final runs of the program! Exciting times!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

its certainly worth getting a gait analysis, however , most places are usually free !

Having said that their running shoes will be full price

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This FAQ Post may answer some of your questions healthunlocked.com/couchto5... along with this FAQ Post that is specifically about gait analysis. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Many shops do not charge for a gait analysis, which seems a fairer way to proceed, because they can only offer you what they happen to have in stock, which may not actually be appropriate for you.

[Madge50 Graduate]

hi there and super well done! I’d recommend gait analysis and going to an independent running shop if you can…..- and as above most decent places won’t charge especially if you buy from them….

Once you have found what you like and what suits it’s easy to pick up pairs from sales/last seasons stock, at bargain prices shopping around when/if you need new ones - be warned you might end up with a collection!

My top tip is go for the ones that are like slippers! Soft and comfy 😉 that’s always worked for me and I’m a sucker for purple….😍…

Mx

[Runforthedress Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Great answer, thank you. I currently have an old pair of ASICS and they’re comfy but about 15 years old! 🤣

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Runforthedress]

oohh I’m an Asics girl…..I’d expect your 15 year old ones are a bit ‘flat’ by now…the materials themselves do deteriorate over time as well - even if you haven’t used them much…...you’ll really notice the difference in a new pair!

You’ll be really springy! 💃

Good luck with your search and it’s a thing to post pics of new shoes here, so we can all get a look…. 😍..

Mx

[Runforthedress Graduate in reply to Madge50]

okies I will do that … watch this space …. 🤣

[Cmoi Graduate]

I'd recommend gait analysis, but think a £60 charge - presumably designed to put off timewasters - extortionate. If a shop offers you free gait analysis and has suitable shoes for you, I consider it's only fair to buy there, even if prices are higher than online, because you're paying for the shop's time and expertise.

Remember, too, that you're just starting out as a runner, and right now you're unlikely to need or benefit from top-end shoes featuring the latest technology and designed for specific purposes.

[Liono Graduate]

Many shops where I live do charge for a gait analysis, especially the independent running shops, but the going rate seems to be £15/£20, which is redeemable against a shoe purchase. So £60 sounds like an awful lot! I went to a chain in the end, where the analysis was free, but it was very brief and not especially helpful and I think next time I will try one of the independent specialist shops.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

What sort of running are you doing? Road or off road? I ask because if you are buying trail running shoes, gait analysis does not, as I understand it, inform the choice of shoe. I am guessing that the same may well apply if you prefer minimalist styles (and as a new runner you don't have all the adjustment issues, so do consider it... I fell into it by chance during C25K)

Worst and most expensive shoes I ever got were following gait analysis (fortunately at the time that establishment offered free exchanges and the shoes I swapped them for were great)