Your running shoes are without doubt the most important item of clothing you can buy as part of your training. It is certainly one area that you cannot afford to go for the cheap option, as cheap trainers are unlikely to have the durability to withstand your demanding training schedule. You should be looking to spend anything upwards of £60 for a decent pair of running shoes and it is likely that you’ll need 2 pairs to see you up to race day. They must be comfortable, mould to your feet well and above all be the right type of shoe for your "Running Gait".
Running gait
The term Running Gait is a term that new and experienced runners are becoming more familiar with and are beginning to realise how important it is to choose trainers that best match your specific Gait. Incorrect shoes for your gait can lead to a number of injuries from ankle pain to hip pain.
Your running gait, put simply, is the way in which you run. Imagine the way a car is set up. If the set up is incorrect or out of kilter, the tyres (your trainers) can wear unevenly and place stress on the axle (your legs). By choosing the right shoes, you can redress the imbalance and greatly reduce the risk of contracting a "bio mechanical" injury.
Running Gait Assessment
Having your running gait assessed before you begin training is essential. With the help of specialised computer software and our experience, your running pattern can be analysed and accurate advice can be offered as to which type of shoe you should choose. This procedure may seem like an expensive and inaccessible luxury, but you would wrong on both counts. This service is free and leaves you with peace of mind, knowing that that the shoes you use for your training are the right ones.
We will analyse your gait in a number of ways, including using a video camera to view your gait in detail. From this analysis, we will be able to tell you with accuracy if you are a "Pronator", "Neutral" or "Under Pronator".
Pronator
Asics claim that around 70% of runners over pronate. Over pronators tend to land on the very outer edge of the heel and as the foot progresses through the movement, it rolls inwards causing the inner forefoot to take excess pressure. This places a larger amount of stress on the inside of their foot through the “mid stance” and “propulsion” stage of the running movement. Over a short period of time, this poses no problem to the runner, who is likely to be unaware of any present or potential injury. However, over time this imbalance causes certain muscles to over work, causing pain and inflammation in the ankles, knees and hips.
Neutral runners
Neutral runners, as the name suggests, run with a neutral gait, which is regarded to be the ideal running motion. Right through from the heel strike to foot propulsion, the foot maintains a balanced transition through the stride placing no undue stress on the lower leg muscles –
Under pronators
Runners who under pronate are rare. The gait cycle takes the foot from heel strike to propulsion on the outside of the foot. Under pronation, like over pronation, can cause a number of injuries which could severely hamper your training.
It essential that you get your stride analysed as soon as you can, so that if you need special shoe inserts you can use them right at the beginning of your training and greatly reduce your chances of contracting an injury.
Call or email to arrange an assessment appointment - will take approx 15 mins
otherwise just drop in & bring your old shoes with you.
