Gait Analysis: The Science of Shoe Fitting

Gait Analysis: The Science of Shoe Fitting
By C. Giovanni Guzman

As many runners, walkers, and exercise enthusiasts can tell you, having the proper shoes can make all the difference in the world. One way for specialists to recommend the proper shoes is to perform what is called a Gait Analysis exam. Gait Analysis is a method widely used to assess the way we walk or run, in order to highlight biomechanical abnormalities in the human gait. With Gait Analysis, a fit specialist is able to identify abnormalities such as: pronation, supination and overpronation. Pronation is the inward (medial) roll of the foot and in particular the heel and arch, which occurs naturally at the heel, strike as a cushioning mechanism. Overpronation is when the feet roll inward too much, and Supination, also known as under-pronation, is the opposite of pronation where the feet don't roll inward enough. Wearing the wrong type of shoe will lead to painful shins and joints, or even injury.
With most Gait Analysis programs at some specialty running stores, record an individual’s gait with a video camera, running or walking and from this footage they are able to play back the footage for their customers and show them exactly how they are running/walking. With review they can then further evaluate their customers and provide them with recommendations and provide the proper shoes to correct these abnormalities. Upon the fitting of new shoes, customers are asked to return to the treadmill where they will then run/walk and from there they are shown how the proper pair of shoes can correct their problem.
What many runners, walkers, and exercise enthusiasts do not know is that they could be wearing the wrong pair of shoes and are further causing damage to themselves. For example, an individual who over-pronates and has the wrong pair of shoes can have problems such as, pain in their arch, shin splints, iliotibial band syndrome (runner’s knee), and lower back pain. Therefore, by recording and showing customers their gait, there is no doubt as to if they are being fit for the right shoe or not. Some stores do charge a minimal fee for this great services but often times the fee can be waived upon purchase of a pair of shoes. For further insight on Gait Analysis visit your local running store and they can provide you with all the assistance needed on Gait Analysis.

For more information visit Runners Lane (661) 260-3368. “Where It’s Fit to Be Fit.”