Gait Analysis
Move Better, Feel the Difference.
studies validate
this approach
Your Movement
Tells the Full Story
How you move is unique to you. Small imbalances in your gait, invisible to the naked eye, accumulate over time and lead to injury, discomfort, and reduced performance. Whether you are training for a marathon, walking for fitness, or simply struggling with persistent foot pain, a professional biomechanical assessment is the most accurate way to understand what is happening and how to address it.
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Identify Hidden Injury Risks
Our podiatry-based assessment reveals alignment issues, overpronation, and movement patterns linked to common running and walking injuries, before they sideline you.
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Relief for Foot Pain and Discomfort
From plantar fasciitis and heel pain to flat feet and general foot fatigue, our assessment helps identify the root cause and find footwear that provides genuine, lasting support.
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Find the Right Shoe for You
Not all shoes are equal. We match your unique biomechanics to footwear that supports and enhances your natural movement, not a generic category off the shelf.
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Move Further, More Comfortably
Correct biomechanics mean more efficient movement. Reduce energy waste, improve your stride, and protect your joints for the long term.
"More than 50% of runners suffer some form of musculoskeletal injury each year, with the majority attributed to training errors and biomechanical factors."
Systematic Review of Running Gait Analysis Technology, Journal of Orthopaedics, 2024. Kumar R et al. (43 studies, 2,175 articles reviewed)Your 6-Step Assessment
A thorough biomechanical assessment and gait analysis completed in just 30 minutes, suitable for every runner, walker, and anyone dealing with foot pain or discomfort.
We start with you. Your goals, terrain, experience level, and any injury or foot pain history are all discussed. We also examine the wear patterns on your current footwear, which can be a surprisingly revealing window into your gait.
Using podiatry-based clinical tests, we evaluate your alignment, posture, foot movements, joint range of motion, and knee tracking, identifying patterns associated with injury risk and discomfort.
Step onto our 3D foot scanner and let technology do the rest. We capture your foot's true shape: length, width, volume, and arch height, in precise three dimensions, giving us an exact fit profile to work from.
Our pressure mapping system visualises exactly how your foot loads with every step, highlighting high-pressure zones, asymmetries, and areas that may contribute to discomfort or injury over time.
Walk or run on our treadmill while our specialists record your movement using Dartfish software, a professional tool used to capture and measure your ground strike pattern, pronation, and running form in precise detail.
Armed with your full data picture, our team handpick a curated selection of shoes matched to your biomechanical profile. You test-run each pair before deciding, so you leave with footwear you know works for you.
Precision
Foot Mapping
Our 3D foot scanning technology is the gold-standard in foot measurement, used by elite performance labs worldwide. We were among the very first running specialists in the UK to bring it into store, because we believe your feet deserve more than a guess. Your feet are not average. Your measurement should not be either.
Captures the exact geometry of both feet: length, width, volume, and arch height, far beyond the flat 2D tracing used in most shoe shops.
Visualises exactly where and how load is distributed across your foot as you move, revealing compensation patterns invisible to the naked eye.
Professional software dissects your gait frame by frame, identifying overpronation, supination, and asymmetries that cause cumulative injury over time.
The technology tells us the facts. Our staff know what to do with them. Years of hands-on fitting experience mean we translate your scan data into a shoe that genuinely works for you as an individual.
See Your Gait
in Real Data
The pressure heatmap reveals everything: from asymmetric loading to toe-off mechanics. Our specialists translate this into clear, actionable recommendations for footwear, insoles, and form. You leave with answers, not guesswork.
Custom Insole
Fitting
A great shoe is only part of the picture. For runners, walkers, and anyone dealing with persistent foot discomfort, our custom insole fitting service builds on your gait analysis to create a personalised foundation inside your footwear, addressing specific biomechanical needs that an off-the-shelf insole simply cannot match.
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Personalised to your biomechanics
Designed using the data gathered during your gait analysis, targeting your specific foot shape, arch profile, and movement patterns.
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Reduce pain and prevent injury
Correct overpronation, supination, and uneven load distribution that contribute to knee, hip, and lower back discomfort.
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Works in any shoe
Custom insoles are transferable between footwear, so your investment protects you whether you are on road, trail, or gym floor.
Straightforward Pricing
A small deposit secures your appointment. If you find your perfect shoe on the day, it comes straight off the bill.
Secures your 30-minute appointment at either store.
- Goals, terrain & injury history consultation
- Podiatry-based biomechanical assessment
- Slow-motion treadmill gait recording & analysis
- 3D foot scan: length, width, volume & arch
- Expert shoe selection & test-run fitting
- Insole & performance sock consultation
⏱ Approx. 30 minutes · Walk-ins welcome, booking recommended
Shoes typically replaced every 300-500 miles
Found the same shoe cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price. See our price match policy →
Two Locations.
Same Unrivalled Service.
An independent family business fitting runners and walkers for over 45 years, with genuine care and real expertise at both stores.
Visit our Portsmouth store for your full gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Our Christchurch location offers the full range of gait analysis services. Appointments are available throughout the week, so book ahead to avoid any wait.
In-Store Podiatry
Available
For customers dealing with complex foot conditions, persistent pain, or concerns that go beyond footwear, our qualified in-store podiatrists are available for specialist appointments at both locations. Whether you are a runner, walker, or simply on your feet all day, we have the expertise to help.
The Right Shoes
Change Everything
Whether you are training for your first 5K, walking through discomfort, or simply tired of feet that ache, a full biomechanical assessment could change everything. An independent family business with over 45 years of genuine expertise, we have helped thousands of customers across Portsmouth and Christchurch find their perfect fit.
Book Your Assessment →£30 deposit, deducted from any footwear purchase on the day · 30 minutes · Portsmouth & Christchurch
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your gait analysis or biomechanical assessment.
Is a gait analysis worth it?
Yes. Running or walking in the wrong footwear will almost always lead to injury and discomfort over time. A 30-minute biomechanical assessment can significantly improve your comfort, reduce your injury risk, and give you confidence in every step.
How much does it cost?
Your gait analysis is free with the purchase of any footwear. A £30 deposit is taken at the time of booking and is deducted from the price of any footwear bought in-store on the day, making the full assessment completely free with purchase.
Can I book an assessment without buying anything?
Absolutely. There is no commitment to purchase. You can book an appointment for our gait analysis and biomechanical assessment with no obligation to buy on the day. Your £30 deposit is simply held until your appointment.
Do I have to book, or can I just walk in?
You are welcome to walk in, but we highly recommend booking in advance. Booked appointments always take priority over walk-ins, so booking guarantees your slot and avoids a wait.
What if I just need advice?
Our team are always happy to help. You can reach us by phone, email, or simply pop into either store and speak with a member of staff. No appointment needed for a quick chat.
Is there such a thing as a normal running gait?
No. Everyone has a unique gait pattern. That is exactly why a personalised biomechanical assessment is so valuable: it looks at your movement specifically, not an assumed average.
How often should I have a gait analysis?
We recommend a new gait analysis every time you purchase a new pair of running shoes, or at least every 8 to 12 months, whichever comes first. Your gait changes over time, so it is worth reassessing regularly rather than assuming the same shoe will always suit you.
Should I stick to the same brand or shoe model?
Not necessarily. Brands update their models regularly and the changes can be significant. Your gait also evolves over time. We recommend reassessing with each new purchase rather than automatically rebuying the same shoe.
How often should I replace my running shoes?
We recommend replacing your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or every 10 to 12 months for regular runners, whichever comes first. Worn cushioning can alter your gait and increase injury risk even when shoes still look fine on the outside.
Do new running shoes need breaking in?
There is no fixed mileage for breaking in new shoes, but we recommend easing into them gradually for longer runs. A properly fitted pair should feel comfortable from day one, not painful. If they are not, come back in and we will take another look.
My new shoes are giving me blisters. What should I do?
Your fitted shoes should feel comfortable from the start. Blisters are often a sign of fit, lacing, or sock issues. Come back into either store and speak with a member of staff and we will get to the bottom of it and make sure you leave happy.