Gait Advice?

Hi all,

I have been working on my running technique over the last year as a relatively new runner and, generally (except towards the end of a race when I am knackered!) I land mid foot.

When I look at the wear patterns on my running and walking shoes I can see the wear is on the outside edge of the heel and also on the outside edge of the front portion of the sole, pointing towards me being an underpronator, which I have always thought. I have a neutral to high-ish arch. This is backed up by typical info here:

http://www.asics.co.uk/running/knowledge/understanding-pronation/

However, I went for Gait analysis, where the shoe person looked at me walking, looked at my achilles, done a few tests on my arches (flat on the floor, one leg lean forward etc) and said that one leg pronates more than the other although mildly and I need a cushioned structured type shoe...

I am currently running in a variety of shoe, but mainly a Saucony Kinvara 1. She suggested I should try a Saucony ProGrid Guide 5.

After discussing my history, types of running and lack of real injury, she suggested I stick with what I know and if it work stay with it...but I am about to begin the increase in mileage training for a spring half marathon so will likely need a bit more cushion that the Kinvara.

Any ideas why I may have got such different advice from I thought I would and any suggestions on a more cushioned shoe for me? Asics Gel 2160/70, Asics Gel Cumulus or Asics Gel Nimbus were all ones I was looking at.

Any advice appreciated.

Brian.

I had gait analysis done a number of times at reputable retailers which resulted in them selling me a number of different shoes, while my issues persisted.

Retailers usually get you to run on the treadmil in shoes when checking as such any analysis is based on how that particular shoe design geometry effects the runners gait. Although you may be able to determine if the runner is overpronating or supinating you can not determine if the rotation is caused by the shoes and accentuated by a treadmill.
Running on a commercial treadmill for gait measurement is not wise as the belt is simply to slack to provide accurate information as it does not replicate any natural or unnatural surface you will meet outside. This is without mentioning that gait measurement only addresses your lower body at best, when in reality you run with your whole body, as such this should be considered and reviewed imho.

When you have problems with your car you go to a qualified mechanic and hopefully not someone who simply knows how to drive, or has sold a car in the past... you should also see the appropriate professional when having any biometrics checks, at least ask to see the persons qualifications who is undertaking the checks - Failure to have this done correctly could result in the wrong advise or shoes being given and injury following

I now always have a full biometric check by a place which specialises in such services, my most recent check took in excess of three hours, it was so detailed. Places I know which offer this kind of service are profeet in London and strideuk in hove near Brighton

Cheers. A podiatrist near me offers full biomechanic assessment so I think I will pop in to see them tomorrow to get a second opinion. I want to get it right first time.

Brian.

Shops always look at my flat feet and tell me I'm overpronating, then try to get me into appropriate shoes (sometimes they video me on the treadmill and look for the one step which indicates overprovation "see, there!" ignoring everything else). The wear pattern on my shoes says otherwise (wear is not on the inside at the forefoot). I'm sticking with neutral shoes, which seem to work for me. I'm also midfoot landing rather than heel striking. Can't advise on cushioning as I;m going for less, not more (do a lot of my running in Terra Plana Neos).

Thanks Debra. Kinda my thoughts too - I really can't see any evidence of over pronation...

I'm going to give Asics Gel-Cumulus a go - they seem right for me and after my research etc.

You don't need more cushioning for longer distances. I've run ultras in Saucony Tangent which don't have lots of cushioning. It's far more important to have shoes that are comfortable and don't cause any problems. So..... stick with the shoes you've got and only consider changing them if they start causing problems. I wouldn't even spend money on a podiatrist just buy another pair of whatever you're running in.

Cheers for the advice. I will continue to run in my Kinvara's and Jazz but also give the Asics a go too.

Brian.