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JOIN NOWIn-Store Natural Gait Analysis
Let our experts fit you in the right running shoes
Every runner will instantly feel the advantage of a properly fitted running shoe. In order to identify the best shoe for you, we analyse your running style as part of the shoe fitting process. Running technique coaches offer a different type of assessment with advice to improve your running style.
Natural Gait Analysis v treadmill analysis
Running on the streets? To find the best shoes for you we want to gait analyse on that surface – natural gait analysis. Through this we accurately identify not only your foot strike but the way your whole body moves as you run, determining the best running shoe for you. Appropriate running shoe support is vital to help you avoid strains or injury.
What if I’m running on trails / in parks?
You are still propelling yourself forwards, rather than keeping upright on a moving surface. Our Natural Gait Analysis works well to determine the correct shoe no matter what terrain you’re planning to train on.
In-Store Shoe-Fitting Appointments
Booking is not necessary, but if you prefer, you can make an in-store appointment for your running shoe fitting, so you don't have to queue.
ONLINE SHOE FITTING & GAIT ANALYSIS
Too far away from a store to visit us? We now offer a different way of assessing your gait and identifying the best running shoe for you, so you can stay home, while enjoying the excellent personalised customer service you've come to expect from us.
What happens? Find out in the video...
How does the right pair of running shoes support me?
There are many aspects to the correct balance of support; the fit of the top part of the shoe (uppers), cushioning under your feet, and guidance to enable the best balance of your stride motion and the smoothest ride to minimise shock.
Do I need to know my type of foot strike?
Our Natural Gait Analysis will identify your foot strike. Simplistically there are three different types:
- Neutral (foot lands upright)
- Overpronation (foot collapses medially or to the 'inside')
- Supination or Underpronation (foot rolls laterally or to the 'outside')
I’ve had Gait Analysis before, why do I need it again?
Naturally our body changes over the years, depending on our lifestyle. So the right running shoes one year may no longer be the best the next if your lifestyle (or work-style) has changed. That's why it's important to have your gait analysed each time you replace your shoes.
At Run and Become we'll often ask you about other forms of exercise you do, so we can take into consideration how your body moves, not just when running but during your daily patterns of movement as well. This way we get the entire picture and can offer as much help as possible.
I've seen other people use treadmills and computers to analyse gaits. Are they more accurate?
Since we opened in 1982 we've seen a lot of different ways of assessing body movement and foot strike in running shoe fittings. We've experimented with them but never found anything more effective than doing gait analysis the natural way.
There have been plenty of studies showing that people run differently on a treadmill from the road. This is because on firm ground our legs create a propulsive force to accelerate the body and drive it forward. Simply put: runner moves, ground stays static.
When using video gait analysis on a treadmill, our body stays in the same position (in the forwards-backwards plane); there is no forward movement. Instead the running surface disappears behind us. Here the function of the leg muscles is not to propel but re-position our legs so as to keep our body stable, so the situation changes: runner is static and ground moves. Additionally, people who aren’t used to treadmill running take some time to adjust and get used to the different dynamic, which again affects the gait.
As most of us use running shoes either in combination with outside and gym, or purely outside, we fit running shoes with analysis of the gait on a hard surface. If you are looking for running shoes purely to wear in the gym, we will be able to take this into consideration too.
Sounds exactly what I need, how do I book this service?
No booking is necessary for our shoe fitting with Natural Gait Analysis, but if you prefer, you can make an appointment, so you don't have to queue if you arrive at a busy time.
All our staff are trained in Natural Gait Analysis and will be ready to serve you when you come in. Please allow 30 minutes for the fitting. We do not charge customers for our time and expertise in conducting the Natural Gait Analysis. We simply ask that, in return for this valuable service, you purchase your shoes from Run and Become.
“This is what a really good gait analysis should feel like”
– Miranda Larbi, Stylist Magazine
Find out more about the Run and Become experience in What is a gait analysis and why is it so important? Here's how to find the perfect running trainers for you.
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Putting your running shoes in the washing machine is a recipe for disaster! Check out this short video with safe, simple and effective cleaning techniques.
How do I know my foot strike when running?
Knowing your foot strike and gait is crucial when choosing running shoes. Find out if you're neutral, overpronating or supinating, and what to do next.
What To Do If Your Feet Turn Out While Running
Splayed feet? Duck feet? If you're out-toeing during your walk or run, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
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Rachel BarnettSeptember 7, 2024 at 1:35pm
Hi , I’m looking to get a gait analysis but already have a pair of running shoes. Can I just get a gait analysis done ReplyGrahamMarch 27, 2024 at 5:34pm
Hi there, Are you committed to making a purchase on the day of the gait analysis, or can you buy at a later date? Many thanks, Graham ReplyAnnMarch 28, 2024 at 5:06pm
Hi Graham,
Many thanks for your comment. I suggest to wait until you're ready to purchase to come in for a gait analysis. It's in your best interest, as the process takes time, and our staff who are trained will also value your time in choosing to visit us. Also to note, our stock comes and goes like hot cakes! So the ideal shoes you tried on in-store may not be there at the end of the day.
All the best, Ann
ReplyElla JennerJanuary 14, 2024 at 11:36am
Couldn’t recommend this shop and the ladies enough!!! I was fairly new to running and they helped me find a pair of trainers that I absolutely love and find so comfortable! They didn’t rush you at all and took there time to help me find the right pair. THANK YOU ReplyTanya SJune 30, 2023 at 5:44pm
Huge thank you to Larina at the London store! This is the second time I have received an in-store gait analysis (last one was seven years ago) and both times the advice and recommendations were absolutely fantastic. I went in for both road and trail shoes, and I was guided through the session and presented with multiple options to try on and test. There was ample time allocated for the appointment, and I never felt rushed or pressured. Highly recommend making use of this wonderful service. Thank you Larina, and everyone at Run & Become :) ReplyEmma EatwellJuly 18, 2021 at 12:43pm
Had an appointment for gate analysis in the Cardiff store with Caitlin, she was very friendly, knowledgeable & gave excellent service. I went in for a pair of running trainers & came away with two, feeling very excited to try them out! Thank you :) ReplyRobert PowellJuly 9, 2021 at 1:28pm
Great,
ReplyThat was a wonderful explanation.
I will be popping in to the London store tomorrow afternoon and get this done.
Thank you.
Robert
TheoApril 16, 2021 at 8:39am
Had a great experience in the store and even during COVID times they were still able to give me all the attention I needed and definitely picked the right pair of shoes for me. Could not have asked for more professional and friendly staff! ReplyNina FeldmanMarch 3, 2021 at 5:50pm
The service I received was really great. I had an online/phone gait analysis and then bought two pairs of shoes as I wasn’t sure of my size. I was able to send the pair that didn’t fit back easily and quickly received a refund. And I am very happy with my new running shoes. I would recommend Run and Become wholeheartedly. ReplyKonstantinos VarvagiannisDecember 9, 2020 at 12:55pm
Hello,I would like to know the cost of the gait analysis and the cost of the insoles as well if it is possiple.
Thank you!
Kind regards
Konstantinos Varvagiannis Reply
Dipika SmithDecember 10, 2020 at 3:07pm
Hi Konstantinos,
The gait analysis is a complimentary service when purchasing shoes from us. We do not stock orthotic insoles.
Kind Regards,
ReplyDipika
Patrick JarvisSeptember 17, 2020 at 2:27pm
Hi,I haven't had gait analysis before, but I've recently been suffering from shin splints and knee pains, so I'm looking to pop in soon. Would you advise wearing something less restrictive, or are normal trousers fine?
Many thanks,
Patrick. Reply
Dipika SmithSeptember 21, 2020 at 2:56pm
Hi Patrick, It's great if we can see your ankles and calf muscles. So just rolling up the trousers a little works perfectly. We look forward to seeing you in store. Kind Regards, Dipika ReplyMarianne HotzSeptember 5, 2020 at 8:39am
Hi,My daughter started running cross country 4weeks ago for her high school here in US. We purchased Brooks Adrenalin from our local running store but she has been experiencing lots of ankle/feet/shin pain that forces her to stop running daily. I would so appreciate you to do a gait analysis for her.
Thank you,
Mom Reply
Dipika SmithSeptember 5, 2020 at 5:18pm
Hi Marianne,
Sorry to hear about the pain your daughter is going through. We have three shops in the UK but nothing in the US I'm afraid. We do offer a complimentary gait analysis online when purchasing shoes from us. In case you are interested in this service, kindly see the full details here.
Kind Regards,
Dipika
ReplyRodneyAugust 8, 2020 at 9:09am
Hi,Just wondering what if you do a full body gait analysis? Reply
Marina PekhovichAugust 11, 2020 at 11:03am
Hello Rodney,
ReplyThank you very much for your enquiry.
We analyse the gait in relation to fitting runners with the best suitable running shoes: we observe the landing, how the knees and arches work during the running movement. We also check problems caused by injuries or anatomical imbalances, etc. and help to correct these (as much as possible) with the right shoes. In addition, we try to find shoes to suit your running goals (i.e beginners, 5k and 10k racing, marathon, ultras, etc.).
From such an observation, we can offer more insight on whether the landing technique is working well, suggesting improvements and possibly strengthening certain areas of the body. It is possible to see how anatomical imbalance can affect your running, but we do not offer a detailed full body analysis in this respect.
In case you need to know in detail the causes of certan anatomy-related issues in the body or more information as to your running posture or specific exercises for improvement, we could recommend seeing a physio or a running coach. Please kindly see our Sports Clinic (Physiotherapy and Technique coaching).
Thank you so much!
Kindest Regards
Marina
Run and Become Team
Dee RutterDecember 3, 2019 at 3:54pm
Hi - I've recently had bunion surgery on both feet, having been a runner (triathlete) but not now run for almost a year. I'm almost ready to start again but realise my running gait will no doubt have changed - now that my big toes are straight and I probably need to have a gait analysis done and purchase some new shoes.As some background, it was my knees that were causing my problems with running and led me eventually to having the bunion surgery. My knees are still a little sore but probably not helped by the fact that I'm still wearing my old running shoes.
Have you had any specific experience with post bunion op runners?
I'll pop into your Victoria store, in the next few weeks but in the meantime would be interested in your thoughts.
Thanks, Dee
Reply
Dipika SmithDecember 6, 2019 at 5:27pm
Hi Dee,Sorry to hear that you've been put through it with surgery. Definitely we have good experience with bunions and will be more than happy to go through everything with you in person when you visit the shop.
In the mean time, it my be that a slightly wider shoe would be a good option so that your toes have ample space to be happy. This, married with the correct support should be a winner.
We look forward to seeing you in store soon.
Kind Regards,
Dipika Reply
Dee RutterDecember 10, 2019 at 3:48pm
Hi DipikaThanks for your response - I'm hoping to pop in and see you on Saturday morning this week.
Regards
Dee Reply
Roy frostSeptember 1, 2019 at 3:25pm
Your web site help me no end , I have had a set of trainers ( Brooks ) which was said are my trainers for me , fit nice and feels comfortable , but when running hurt my ankles , i need to pop in to you for your expert advice , Thank you , see you soonReply
Dipika SmithSeptember 2, 2019 at 1:31pm
Hi Roy,
ReplyThank you for reaching out.
Brooks are a great brand and have a good selection of different styles of running shoes. However, your comfort is of utmost importance and so matching each runner to the perfect shoe is what we specialise in.
We very much look forward to welcoming you when you visit our store :)
Dipika