Gait Analysis
What is a Gait Analysis
Gait Analysis & biomechanical assessment is a service we provide at Alexandra Sports to help establish the best shoe for you. Everybody moves differently, because of this, footwear is built differently.
Unsuitable footwear, over-time, will cause pain or injury. It doesn’t matter if you are new to exercise or a seasoned marathon runner.
Our Gait Analysis appointment is free with the purchase of running footwear in-store - otherwise, this service costs £20.
What happens during a Gait Analysis?
Your Gait Analysis appointment will last around 30 minutes and will require you to run a steady pace in a shoe chosen by our experts. Although walk-ins are accomodated, we advise booking a slot in advance to avoid disappointment, which you can do here.
1. Let’s Talk
The first stage of a gait analysis involves getting to know a bit about you and your activity. Finding out about your running goals, terrain, your experience and any injuries or injury history provides a better understanding and helps us tailor a process to find you the ideal footwear solution.
At this point we may also look at your old or existing footwear. The wear pattern on your footwear may give us an indication of how you move.
2. Biomechanical Assessment
We have a perfected a unique series of podiatry-based tests over our 40 year experience to further our understanding of the body. This biomechanical analysis involves looking at your alignment, posture, various foot movements, the range of motion around joints and knee tracking.
We will use the results of these tests to determine what traits your body displays and what it may mean for certain injury patterns and footwear solutions.
3. Gait Analysis
An important process is to watch you move!
We will ask you to walk and/or run so that we can assess how you strike the ground and how much your feet pronate. This will be performed along the length of our store or using one of our treadmills. On the treadmill, a recording of your feet will be made using a camera set up from behind. The recording is then played back in slow motion and angles measured on the screen using professional industry software.
The results of this analysis should help confirm what support level is selected for your footwear.
4. Measuring your feet
No two feet are the same, and most of us will have a noticeable discrepancy between our feet. It may be in length, width or function.
We are the first running store in the UK to use FitStation. A revolutionary scanner that accurately measures and produces a 3D image of your foot. Measuring length, width, volume and arch height. This helps determine which footwear and insole options are most suited for you.
A 3D Image, combined with dynamic pressure readings, help identify your unique motion path and plantar pressure points.
5. The Shoes
At Alexandra Sports we stock a wide range of road, race, and trail running shoes from inudstry leading running brands. All models include half sizes and many in different width sizes too!
Combining all of the results from our biomechanical assessment & gait analysis, will help our staff hand pick a selection of shoes that are best suited to your needs.
Which one is best? Well that is up to you! The colour of your footwear is not pirority but the comfort is. We allow you to test run the shoes before you buy. A run up the road or being analysed on our treadmill should help you pick your best training partner.
6. Personalise your fit
Having now selected the footwear that you feel most comfortable and confident in, we can look to further customise them if necessary. There is always the option to change the insole in your shoes.
Using the information gained from our 3D scans, we can advise on specific insoles, which can be used to increase the support for your arches and help reduce foot pain and lower limb injuries.
We also stock a wide range of performance sport socks that are not only anti-blister and breathable but can also help improve the fit of your shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Gait Analysis worth it?
Yes! Regular running in the wrong type of running shoes will almost always lead to injury and discomfort. A simple 30 minute appointment will not only improve your running, but also give you peace of mind when doing so. Why risk it? Head in-store to Alexandra Sports and talk with one of our expert, alternatively, book an appointment online.
How much does it cost?
A Gait Analysis is free with the purchase of footwear. A £20.00 deposit is taken at the time of booking, however, this is refunded to you at the time of purchase.
Can I only book an assessment?
You can book an appointment for our assessment and insole fitting services. For any other of our services, simply call or visit one of our stores and talk to a member of staff.
Do I have to book an assessment or can I just walk-in?
You don't have to book an appointment, but we highly recommend it. All assessment booking will take priority over walk-ins. If you visit our store, and we are fully booked, you may be asked to schedule an appointment or visit at a later time. If however, one of our staff members is free, we will happily assist you.
What if I just need advice?
You can email us, call us or simply visit one of our stores. All our staff members are trained, experienced and will be more than happy to help with any of your queries, big or small.
What is a normal running gait?
There is no 'normal' running gait, everyone has a unique gait. Because of this footwear is designed differently, different supports, technologies, cushioning, heights, widths and more. An in-depth gait analysis can help determine the closest footwear model that matches your unique gait.
How often do I need a gait analysis?
Your gait and running style is forever changing, alongside your running goals. At Alexandra Sports, we recommend a new Gait Analysis everytime you purchase a new pair of running shoes or 8-12 months, whichever comes first.
Should I stick to a single brand or model of running shoe?
Once you are fitted with or find a specific model of running shoe you love, it's hard to change, we understand! Brands often make small changes and updates to their shoes with each new model. Your gait and running style also changes over time. So the model you originally know and love may have changed or you may no longer be suitable for it. Talk to a staff member if you're unsure and they will be happy to help.
How often should i change my running shoes?
We recommend you replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles to maintain proper support and cushioning. This range depends on factors like your weight and the surfaces you run on.
Typically, if you run three miles three times a week, you'll need new running shoes every 10 to 12 months.
Unsure if it's time for a replacement? Perform this test: place yoursrunning hoe on a hard, flat surface and check if you can make it rock by pressing one finger on the heel, or if the midsole appears compressed, these are clear indicators that it’s time for a new pair. Additionally, uneven wear on the sole also suggests the need for replacement.
For detailed guidance, visit our article on when to replace your running shoes.
Do my new running shoes need breaking in?
There's no specific mileage for breaking in new running shoes, but it's crucial to ease into wearing them for long distances.
If possible, alternate between your new and old running shoes. This not only highlights any differences in the models but also allows your feet and legs to gradually adjust to the firmer, less compressed cushioning of the new pair.
To prevent injuries near race day, make sure to replace your running shoes at least 3 to 4 weeks before any scheduled event. This gives you ample time to adapt to the new shoes without risking discomfort or injury during the race
My new shoes are giving me blisters! What now?
Your new fitted running shoes should be comfortable from day one. Assuming you haven't instantly started doing increased miles, and you are still getting blisters after a short breaking in period, this could mean there is a sizing issue. Simply come back instore and speak with a staff member, they will help you sort out your problem.