When buying a pair of running or walking shoes, size is only one thing to consider. Everyone knows his or her shoe size, right? But how about your Gait Cycle? Your Pronation Type? Got any ideas? Don’t worry. Most people don’t.
And that’s why we’re here. A Runner’s Zone offers an in-depth analysis of each factor needed to determine the “right fit.” Among others, we look at:
UsageOnly run on the treadmill? Focused on 10ks? Prefer off-road trail running? For what, primarily, you plan on using your shoes plays an important part in selecting the correct pair. Different shoes are designed for different activities and different distances.
Your Foot
A Runner’s Zone examines the specifics and peculiarities of your foot, with a detailed look at arch type and foot width. We’ll also look for and discuss all previous injuries or afflictions (bunions, neuromas, etc.). Do you currently use orthotics? Do you need them? All will be taken into consideration.
Gait AnalysisFor both runners and walkers alike, the gait cycle is the movement of your foot from the points at which the heel strikes the ground, to mid-stance, to toe-off.
Heel strike is the first point of foot-to-ground contact for most runners, though a minority are forefoot strikers. The heel strike absorbs the most impact during stride as well: on average a force three to six times your bodyweight.
Mid-stance is the point in your stride where stability is important. A runner wants his or her foot in a neutral position at this point, where a stable foundation serves an ideal ‘launching point’ as the foot begins to propel itself forward, into the toe-off stage.
It’s in this toe-off stage where propulsion occurs, as force is shifted from mid foot to toe. As in mid-stance, stability and balance at this stage are critical.
A poorly fit shoe, at any stage in your gait, can and will lead to injury as the biomechanics of the foot overcompensate due to lack of stability.
At A Runner’s Zone we’re experts at providing you the correct gait analysis for the right fitting shoe.
PronationA normal occurrence when running or walking, pronation is the slight flattening of the arch to assist in the absorption and dispersion of shock during your Gait Cycle. It further enables your foot to adjust to various types of terrain, whether those be trail running, road running, hiking, etc.
So that we can correctly assess your tendency to pronate, A Runner’s Zone will observe and analyze your foot in its natural state of motion, both running and walking.
Over-PronationThis occurs when your ankle or foot tilts inward too quickly or too much during your Gait Cycle, leading to a flattened arch. This places added stress on the inside of your foot during the mid-stance and/or toe-off stages and results in instability and, ultimately, injury.
The staff at A Runner’s Zone are experts at determining your pronation tendencies.
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