A great Running Gait Analysis makes a difference

Google defines the Running Gait analysis as "a method for identifying biomechanical abnormalities in the gait cycle - in other words it's a way of assessing the way in which you walk and run". At Simply Sports is more than a method, it is the opportunity to know the real runner and probably is the most rewarded Running Customer Service for us because in a natural conversation we can advise you the best way to enjoy running and less likely to have an injury and even we can improve your technique with our tips.

Why a running gait test? Because it is the best form to know your foot strike on the floor and determine what type of shoes you should use.

Normally, the trainers are divided in three categories -although we should not forget that each runner has a unique running gait-:

- Neutral: For runners with a more stable and straighter heel to toe foot strike. These shoes will offer a balanced level of support and cushioning for the whole of the foot.

- Over pronation / Stability: For runners with an less stable foot strike, rolling from the outside edge of the heel inwards through to the ball of the foot. These shoes incorporate a stability structure along the middle of the arch to help control this movement.

- Supination (or underpronation): For runners with the insufficient inward roll of the foot after landing. They do not need to use any support. Neutral is the best option for them.

The Brooks Running Gait Analysis area in Reigate store.

We know that sometimes could be a bit confused the (apparently) simple thing of buying a pair of shoes for running. No worries about words like heel drop, levels of cushioning, support, rebound... because after a running gait analysis your questions will be solved. This is the reason you should invest only 10-15 minutes (we are specialist in analysis during lunch times ;]) of your time, with as much additional time as required to fit and try the various shoe options, in an assessment to run with the proper trainers for you.

Simply Sports (Reigate) and CHS (Tonbridge Wells) have recently installed a gait analysis machine called Currex Monolith that delivers a unique and individualized shoe fitting process. A modern pressure mapping system (more than 4000 sensors) reads foot behaviour 100 times per second then automatically classifies the foot into a support category whilst measuring length and width to ensure the perfect fit. After the test, the global database and our specialist staff could recommend you different shoes from our stock according to your profile.

Currex Monolith is not the standard gait analysis where you run on a treadmill and someone reviews a slow motion video, in fact you don't even need to run, you just walk across a pressure plate a couple of times and the results are tailored to your needs.

The Currex Monolith at CHS.

"Ok, I am interested. What do I need to do?"

- There is no booking required, but any advance notice of an assessment requirement is always appreciated.

- If you have a current pair of shoes that you use, please bring these along. It can often be helpful to see how well a previous shoe has worked for you.

- If you happen to have a preferred style of running sock, it's good to have these with you to assist with the fitting process.  

- Our stores also have a treadmill and customers are welcome to use this to get a better idea of how the shoes feel to run in.  

- We do stock a broad range of shoe options from Brooks, On, Saucony, New Balance, Asics, Adidas and Nike. There are also half sizes available to ensure we can get the best fit possible.

- The gait analysis service does have a fee of £20, but this is then deducted off the price of a shoe when a pair is purchased.

- We can send copy of your results via email.

Enjoy running with the guarantee of doing it with the best shoes for you. (Remember that a gait analysis is a part of your running. Other factor like training, nutrition, hydration influence in your performance).