We begin with some brief questions about the type of running/walking you do, your training goals, the predominant surfaces you run/walk on (sidewalks, blacktop, treadmill, track, trails, etc.), anticipated mileage, and your history of injuries that may affect your running. This information guides the fit process and helps us better recommend shoes that are best suited for your needs.
Once we have an understanding of the type of running you do, we will perform an analysis of the anatomy of your feet. We will analyze your foot length, foot width (at the toe box and heel), foot volume, and arch height to get a general idea of the size, width, and style of shoe that may work best for you.
If you currently are a runner/walker, bring in your running/walking shoes so we can analyze internal and external wear patterns, which indicate how your foot fits and strikes in your current shoe.
At The Running Store, we want to educate our customers and "demystify" the gait analysis. Therefore, first time customers are placed in a "neutral" running/walking shoe and walk or jog on a treadmill. With cameras focused on the back of the foot and leg, we analyze your unique gait cycle by utilizing special software to slow the motion of the gait cycle so you, the custumer, can see your running motion. For you runners who primarily run only on treadmills, this provides a very good analysis for the types of shoes you may need.
Because treadmills are a much softer surface and can increase your degree of pronation, we also analyze how you walk and/or jog in the shoes on a hard surface.
At this stage, we have all the data and information we need to provide you with a variety of shoes that will meet your unique needs. We will have you try on a variety of shoes, and test them by walking or running in them. Through this process you will decide which pair feels best to you to keep you running injury free.
