If you’re a runner, you’ll probably have noticed that the term ‘gait’ is often used, but what does this mean and how can it help you? Gait is one of the most important considerations when you’re running or looking for running gear, and it is often misunderstood.
At The Edge, we know that understanding your gait can give you a head start when it comes to your training and your kit, and we can help you to find the right running shoes to suit your gait and running preferences. Gait analysis looks at the way you run, how your body moves and the way your feet strike the ground, and you can improve your running efficiency and reduce your risk of injury when you know what you’re working with.
What is Gait?
The term gait is used to describe the pattern of movement your body makes when you run, including the way your feet land on the ground and the way your knees, hips and arms move. Your gait is unique to you as a runner, and there are different ways to work with your natural gait to help you to run more efficiently.
Many specialist running and footwear stores offer gait analysis, and these are usually focused on three areas:
- Foot strike. Foot strike refers to the way your foot hits the ground when you run. There are three main types of foot strike, and these are heel strike, a common strike where the heel lands first, midfoot strike, where the foot lands flat, and forefoot strike, where the front of the foot lands first. Your natural running pattern may be any of these, and we examine the way this impacts your body and whether it causes strain in your feet or legs.
- Pronation. Pronation looks at the way your feet roll when they land. Over-pronation refers to the tendency of the feet to roll inwards, towards each other. Supination is the opposite of this, when the feet roll away from each other. It can be helpful to know if you have these tendencies or whether you have a more neutral pronation that may be less likely to require additional support.
- Stride and alignment. Your stride and alignment take into account the way your legs and body move together, which influences your running style.
Gait analysis enables us to observe and assess your running style, and this can be done by foot examination, observation of your running style on a treadmill and even video footage or scans. This helps to identify patterns that enable you to understand the way you run.
Gait Analysis: Why it Matters
Gait analysis can make all the difference when you are a runner, as knowing more about your gait can enable you to choose running shoes that will reduce your risk of injury and allow you to protect the health of your feet as you run.
Gait analysis helps when:
- You are choosing running shoes. All runners are unique, and finding the right pair of running shoes to suit your feet and your gait means you will have the support you need, whatever terrain you are running on. If your feet overpronate, for instance, you may need stability shoes, which provide extra support and cushioning to stop the feet from rolling. Shoes with a very high level of support are ideal to prevent injury if the feet tend to roll a great deal, and this helps to correct the problem. If you are not wearing running shoes that are well-suited to your feet, you will find that different areas of the feet come under pressure, and this can cause pain in the feet and legs over time. Choosing shoes that suit your gait will enable you to move freely and benefit from excellent support in all the right places.
- You want to run more efficiently. You will be a more efficient, better runner if you can optimise your efforts and balance your stride. If you are working with your natural gait and wearing the right shoes for your gait type, your body will absorb impact more smoothly, and you will waste less energy each time you take a step. This will enable you to achieve faster speeds and feel stronger, especially when you are running longer distances.
- You want to avoid injuries. No runner chooses to develop running injuries, but knowledge and understanding of your gait can help you to keep your feet healthy and prevent pain and injuries. When you run, you put your muscles, joints and tendons under stress and, over time, this can lead to painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and shin splints. When you are aware of your gait and how to support your feet in the correct positions, you can reduce strain in key areas such as your knees, hips and lower legs, and align your feet properly to avoid injuries when you are running.
- You want to develop your running. Gait analysis is not only relevant for those who are new to running, but it’s also a vital tool for refining your running technique, avoiding injuries and improving your performance at every level. You may find that your gait has changed over time, if you are running further or your strength or flexibility has changed, and you will likely benefit from a regular gait check to ensure that you are able to optimise your training, whether you are running marathons or jogging around the park.
Gait analysis won’t work miracles, however, and cannot correct problems with your running form that are unrelated to your gait. To protect your feet and prevent injuries as you run, you should combine gait analysis with strength and mobility training and follow a training programme that allows you to progress steadily rather than putting strain on your body. Listening to your body is the key, as well as finding the right shoes to support your body in all the right places when you are running.
How Does Gait Analysis Work?
If you want to find out more about gait analysis, contact us at The Edge. We’ll chat with you about your running habits and history, as well as any past injuries, and we’ll use specialist equipment to observe and examine your running style. Once we have the information we need about your gait, we’ll be able to make recommendations based on this so that you can find running shoes that support you properly as you run.
You are likely to benefit from gait analysis if you experience running injuries, if you feel discomfort when you run or if you have noticed patterns of uneven wear on your running shoes. If you are new to running, or you are taking your training regime to the next level, you’ll find gait analysis a great place to start.
Find Running Shoes at The Edge, Ireland
At The Edge, we have an excellent selection of running gear for every season, and our collection includes running shoes for men, running shoes for women, running clothing and running accessories. Visit us in store or browse our catalogue on our website to find quality running kit in Ireland.
