What is gait analysis?

Gait analysis is great for runners and walkers alike. It's a system to show how you walk or run in order to uncover any potential issues in the way they move.

If you have a gait analysis, it can help to show many different aspects that can then in turn, help to identify what you need to work on.

The benefits of gait analysis

If you’re an avid runner, it’s important to have the right footwear to try and prevent injury while also staying comfortable. Gait analysis can help you find the right shoes that suit your gait and pronation.

To understand what type of pronation you have

As mentioned above, pronation is how your foot rolls inward when absorbing impact after hitting the floor, but you may be wondering what type of pronation you have.

There are three types, known as overpronation, supination and neutral.

• Overpronation: this is used to describe a foot that rolls inward
• Supination: also known as underpronation, this happens when upon impact, the foot tends to roll outwards
• Neutral: generally, a neutral foot type will mean that there’s an even distribution when it hits the ground, from the outer heel to the toe

A gait analysis assessment can help to decipher which type of pronation you have.

To know your foot arch type

As well as pronation, you may also find it useful to see what arch type your foot has. There are three types, including:

• Low (also known as a ‘flat foot’): your arch falls when you’re running and is low
• Neutral: like neutral pronation, a normal arch means supports weight evenly and tends to roll inwards naturally
• High: your foot’s arch is higher and can mean that your arch isn't absorbing impact properly

Understanding your running style

Another way gait analysis can be useful is helping you to understand your own running style. If you’re running in a particular way that is impacting your form, a gait analysis can help identify how, so you can then go on to make changes to try and improve.

How does gait analysis work?

There are different ways gait analysis can be performed, from an in-person evaluation to tech that can scan your feet and provide plenty of information about your foot type.

If you opt for an in-person evaluation, there can be a few different things that are looked at, such as your stance and swing, plus more.

Can Sports Direct help with gait analysis?

For anyone keen to know more about gait analysis or those who need help figuring out the best running footwear for them, some Sports Direct stores offer special machinery that can help - bonus, it’s free to use!

So how does it work?

If you find yourself at a Sports Direct store that has a gait analysis machine, it’s worth trying it out. It’s easy to use and has a wide breadth of information all about your gait. All you have to do is step on and answer a few questions.

Step 1: Once you’re at the machine, remove your shoes and step on, ensuring your feet are aligned with the guide on the platform.

Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions. It will ask you questions regarding your running and your shoes, for example:

• What type of shoes are you looking for?
• How many times do you run per week?
• What is your main motivation for running?

You can then choose from a few different answers. There are multiple questions, all designed to get an understanding of your personal experience with running and your footwear. The machine will guide you through the questions, but if you need any assistance, a member of staff should be able to help.

Step 3: Once the analysis has been completed, you should be presented with ‘your gait analysis’. This provides information about your arch type, average shoe size and other details about your feet.

Step 4: If you’re a beginner or you’re looking to buy a new pair of running shoes, the gait analysis can provide recommendations based on your results. You can click through to the recommendations on the screen and you should be presented with a variety of different running footwear choices from a range of brands.

Remember, if you need any additional help on deciding which shoe would be best for you, a member of staff in-store can help.

Gait analysis is important if you want to discover more about your gait or foot type, or if you want to explore the shoes that are right for you. Every runner is different and it’s crucial to find footwear that supports your foot type.

Tip: If you want some assistance in finding the right shoes for you quickly or you simply want to browse, you can check out our Running Shoe Finder for some tailored suggestions!