What is gait analysis?
Running gait analysis is a method of biomechanical deviation during the movement – in other words, it is a way to measure your progress while walking and running.
In the MySport stores, we perform an running analysis to find the most suitable running shoes for you.
Using a video analysis, we analyze how your feet are touching the runway during the run and find out if your feet are turning inward, insufficiently moving inward ( insufficient pronation or inflexion ) or it remains natural. Given this information, your injury history and running distance, we will find the most suitable running shoes from our wide assortment of footwear.
How's it done?
In our shops, the runway analysis equipment includes a treadmill, camera for filming, and a computer equipped with a quality video processing program.
In the first part of the analysis, we will take a short video ( about 20 seconds ) on how you run on the treadmill with bare feet or with the shoes with little or no cushioning. This will help to highlight abnormalities in your gait.
Based on the evaluation of the video footage, we will then select the second pair of shoes suitable for your foot type and the way in which you run. These will either be a stability shoes that eliminates excessive pronation or neutral shoes suitable for runners with a neutralfootprint or a poorly insufficient pronation.
When you have finished a running on a treadmill with the other pair of shoes, we will compare the footage and evaluate the results.
The whole process of analysis will take about 15 minutes, and during this time you will have to run for at a steady pace for around one minute, so that the results are as accurate as possible. We perform the analysis of running at any time ( during the shop hours ) and you do not need to apply for it beforehand. We will help you choose the most suitable running shoes.
Understand the types of pronation: overpronation, underpronation and neutral pronation.
Pronation occurs in the joint under the ankle. It is the heel movement of the inward-facing feetimmediatelyit touches the ground. When a person walks or runs, pronation helps to reduce the impact of the initial contact. Without it, the full impact of each step would be transmittedupside down and affect the normal functioning of the lower part. In addition, that the pronation acts as a impact shock absorber, it also helps the foot to recognize on what kind of foundation it is, stabilizing and adjusting to its type of relief. Today’s running shoes are modeled for different types of pronation. The type of human foot pronation is a very important factor in choosing the most suitable running shoes.
There are three types of pronation:
Overpronation
Overpronation has about 70% of the population, so this is the most common pronation type among the runners. As the foot is planted it rolls inward excessively, transferring weight to the inner edge instead of centering it on the ball of the foot. It’s usually seen in runners with low arches or flat feet. Runners with overpronation should choose the stability shoes.
Underpronation
Underpronation or supination is when the outer side of the foot strikes the ground at a steeper than normal angle with little or no movement inward, causing a jarring effect, and a large transmission of shock through the lower leg. It’s usually seen in runners with high arches. Runners with poor pronation should choose neutral footwear.
Neutral pronation
Neutral pronation occurs when the foot lands on the outer edge and then rolls inward in a controlled manner, distributing weight evenly and helping to absorb shock. On push off, there is an even distribution of pressure from the front of the foot.Usually seen in runners with normal-size arches If there is a normal type of pronation, you can run in very different shoes, however, neautral shoes will be more suitable.
How to determine the type of pronation
The best way to determinethe type of pronation is to conduct a gait analysis in one of our stores. But if you don'thave the opportunity to come to the store, there is a way you can define your own foot type yourself. This is a wet foot test. The test is useful if your progress has changed since the last test (gait analysis in our stores). But keep in mind that this test is only approximate, it is best to performa running analysis.
Do not forget
Not always the most expensive shoes are suitable for your foot type. The highest price means that the shoes are qualitative and comfortable, but not always suitable for you.
We usually recommend to buy running shoes, which are about 0.5-1.5 cm bigger than your casual shoes, so that they accommodate foot movement and swelling during running.
Shoes that might feel comfortable to you when walking about the shop won’t necessarily feel that way when running, so make sure that you always take the shoes you intend to buy onto the treadmill for a test run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the gait analysis worth it?
Yes, definitely! Running regularlyin the wrong type of shoes with a pronounced gait abnormality will almostcertainly lead to more injuries in the long term. Full gait analysiswill take only about 15 minutes and its free. Visit one of the MySport stores and allow yourself to enjoy a peacefulrun.
How much does it cost?
It costs nothing! Running analysis is free if you buy shoes in one of our stores.
How often should the gait analysis be done?
We recommend that you conduct the gait analysis once a year, as your running style will naturally change the more you run.
If I have found a suitable shoe model for me, should i buy the same model when buying new shoes?
Running shoes manufacturers make regular changes to their shoes, so it's possible that the new season model is no longer appropriate for you. To be sure of the latest model improvements and whether it is similar to the previous one, consult our running specialists.
How often do I need to change jogging shoes?
You should replace your running shoes at every 800-1000 kilometers. It depends on your weight and the surface you'reon. For those who run 5 kilometers 3 times a week, shoes will last for 10 to 12 months. You can determine if your shoes have served its life by looking at insole, if it is compressed or if he soles are excessively worn.
We recommend not to wait for your shoes to be completelyworn out. It is better to buy a new pair of shoes when you see that current ones life is going to an end, so that you can alternately run with one and the other footwear, thus letting shoes accumulate to your feet.
My new running shoes are giving me blisters, what do I do?
Running shoes should be comfortable from the moment you put them on. Most often blisters appear if the size of the shoes are incorrectly selected or you are not wearing a suitable socks for running. If blisters appear on the fingers, then the size of the shoes is too small. If blisters appear on the feet, then the shoe is too big or the socks are not suitable for running.
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