What is Running Pronation and Gait Analysis?
Every runner is unique in height, weight and stride. So a shoe that suits one runner, may cause unwanted issues for another. We've worked closely with the most popular running shoe brands available to bring you some sound advice and help you to choose your next running shoe.
Overall, runners will fall into one of 3 main categories depending on their running style.
· PRONATION – Also known as Flexible foot, where the runner has low arches to flat feet. This covers approximately 60% of the population. You would use a shoe with varying degrees of support (structure) to control the inward rolling of the ankle.
SHOP STRUCTURED SHOES
· NEUTRAL FOOT - This covers approximately 30% of the population. You would use a Neutral shoe which allows for your standard running gait.
SHOP NEUTRAL SHOES
· SUPINATION - This is also known as Rigid foot, where the runner has a high arch and a tendency to roll their foot outwards. Around 10% of the population are affected by this. If you supernate you would ordinarily use a well cushioned Neutral shoe.
SHOP NEUTRAL SHOES
WHAT IS GAIT ANALYSIS?
Gait Analysis is a procedure that provides runners with biomechanical information about their running style. It's a method of analysing a runners body movements as they transition through the gait cycle to establish the way a person runs or walks.
Analysing the degree of Pronation or Supination can help reduce the risk of injury as it allows us to suggest the correct type of footwear for your needs.
HOW DO I DIAGNOSE MY RUNNING STYLE?
There are a few ways to help you determine which group you would fall into. Here are three of them.
With this method, you would dip the bottom of your foot in water and step straight onto a sheet of coloured card or brown paper bag. You can then match the imprint with the arch types below.
CAN I FIND OUT MY RUNNING STYLE WITHOUT GETTING WET?
2. Take a photograph
You can alternatively take a picture of the back of your lower leg as this could help to indicate your arch type. This will not be the most accurate method but it can give you an indication of your pronation.
CAN I GET MORE HELP WITH GAIT ANALYSIS AND RUNNING PRONATION?
3. Ask our experts
We also offer a Gait Analysis service so you can send us a short video that shows you running a short distance at your normal pace. Please do this with and without shoes, then based on your answers to a few questions (see below) we would be able to suggest some shoes that may be suitable for your needs*.
Please ensure the video is under 10MB, is a good enough quality to be able to see your foot running either on a treadmill or in a straight line away from the camera so that we can see the back of your legs, then running towards the camera so that we can see the front of your feet.
Send us your video and answer the following questions for your free digital running gait analysis*:
a. What trainers are you currently using?
b. What mileage are you doing and on what surface?
c. How long have you had your current shoes?
d. Do you have any recurring issues?
Email our experts now at gait.analysis@prodirectsport.net
*Please be aware, this is not medical advice and in more severe instances, seeking professional medical advice would be recommended.
