Gait analysis provides runners with essential information about their running style. This is important however long they have been running, as only through knowing their running style will they be able to select the right shoes. The right running shoes are important as they can maximise both running performance and potential, as well as minimising the risk of injury, such as painful shins and joints.
The major focus of gait analysis is to measure the degree of pronation. Pronation is the natural inward roll of the foot as the outside part of the heel strikes the ground. This roll acts as a shock absorber for the leg and body, optimally distributing the force of the impact of the heel hitting the ground. Overpronation is when the feet roll inward too much and underpronation (or supination) is where the feet don’t roll inward enough. Gait analysis matches the runner’s degree of pronation with the correct shoe type, with the aims of counter-balancing over or underpronation, helping reduce the risk of injury and improving running efficiency.
Video gait analysis is simple. It involves running for a few minutes on a treadmill while a video is made of the runner’s feet. This footage is then slowed down and analysed in detail by an ASICS professional who will explain the findings. Runners can then try a variety of shoes selecting cushioning, structured cushioning or maximum support options according to the results.
As well as helping runners to find the right shoe through assessing the moment of the foot, video gait analysis also looks at the leg and body’s movement and efficiency to see if the analysis can help the runner further. By slowing the video down and viewing the different running stages in detail, ASICS representatives can help identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency. If appropriate, the ASICS representative can also make product suggestions to help overcome any issues identified.
3D Foot Mapping is the most advanced version of video gait analysis which, in addition to video, uses both lasers and micro cameras to create a highly detailed 3D image of the foot. A range of information obtained from the scan, such as arch height and the alignment of the achilles with the leg, is assessed to source the perfect running shoe and could even help runners get to the root of any recurrent injuries. Runners can also choose to have their data stored in a huge database for their future reference, which also contributes to ASICS research for future running shoes. 3D foot mapping is unique to ASICS and available to customers via Running Clinics or the ASICS London store which is the only store that has the 3D foot mapping equipment in permanent residence.
Once a runner understands their running style, gait and which type of shoe they need, they’re ready to look at the wide range of shoe styles available. Visit your local retailer or the online product catalogue to find out more.
Further advice
ASICS Running Clinics Pro Team can offer advice on training - click the links below to see their advice.
Comments
Charlie Martin:
Dear Asics Team can you advise a pair of running shoes suitable for flat feet with stability as I am quite heavy and have a raised big toe from a childhood accident meaning I have wear a size bigger to prevent rubbing and soreness. I also also underpronate. Thanks, Charlie.
Dec. 27, 2011
Caroline:
i used to run a lot until I moved to spain and life took over. I am now getting back on track. i have pronation and it took me a long time to find a trainer that suited me. I have a gel 1140 T964N running shoe, and can understand these are no long made. However can ou tellme what replaced them plase? Thanks in advance
Dec. 07, 2011
Richard:
I did this at the store today and can highly recommend it. It was amasing to watch on the video replay how much my ankle rolled in a neutral trainer compared to a maximum support. Needless to say, I walked out with some nice new GEL-Evolution 6's...
Nov. 02, 2011
Lucy Tregear:
I'm confused... I have been running in Asics Gel Nimbus 12 (W) - I am a neutral runner but with flat feet, according to the machine in he runs she runs I have flat feet hence the nimbus is the wrong trainer. What trainers should I be wearing Kayano?! I run half marathons and run 3-4 times a week when I'm training.
Aug. 29, 2011
Graeme Holmes:
I have been wearing GT2160 but have moved to Gel Cummulus and having aa lot of pain along outside of left foot and up back left side of ankle. Right foot is ok.
Jul. 25, 2011
Graeme Holmes:
Where can I get a gait test done in the North of England. I am based in Durham
Jul. 25, 2011
Andy Clark:
Morning Asics Hi, I've bought a pair of Gel GT-2150 from The SweatShop, previous had no problems with other 2100 series shoes. I've ran the last 6months in my trainers, the arches of both of my feet have severely blistered. Tried all diffent aray of socks and plasters to try and combat the problem, with no real luck. What advice would you give, as it seems a common issue with this edition of the 2100 series? Is it possible to adapt said shoes with the faulty additional stitching areas? Thanks, in anticipation of your reply. Regards Andy Clark
Jul. 13, 2011
Julie Weston:
I have just started running i wear asics gel cumulus9 i'm a size 4 but the 4.5 fitted the trouble is my toe nails are so painful after a run do i needed a bigger size? please help.
Jun. 05, 2011
andrei:
dear asics team i am in doubt with width (D or 2E) and have no option to try 2E my measurement with running socks shows 11cm width please advise on whether D or 2E will suit me better thank you regards andrei
May. 26, 2011
paul woodhouse:
Hi i am suffering with blisters and hot patches on my feet since the end of my 2130's . I have tried the 2140 and 2150's but both blister badly. I have since moved away from asics and dabbled with miuzuno, saucony and more recently adidas but nothing remotely compares with the 2130's. I have spoken with all of my local running shops and bought from most of them but my problems still persist,this is most annoying as i have not suffered this before and having just completed the grizzly, a 20 plus mile milti terrain in devon with no problems in my off road shoes. I have been told that i have narrow feet and this is the problem, but i cannot run over 6 road miles without problems My 2130's were fitted by an asics rep who was visiting my local running shop and the numbers inside the tongue read TN 804, can you help? is there an asics employee visiting locally any time soon?
Mar. 31, 2011
Yvonne Morrison:
Hi Asics Team I would like to get my gait analysis done I live in Spain but I am going to do the Rome marathon in a couple of weeks time. I see from the internet you are a sponsor for the run will there be this facility at the race or before???? Cheers Yvonne
Mar. 03, 2011
Nic:
Hi. I am looking to buy the GT-2160 width 4E but these aren't sold in the UK in the extra wide fit. Have you any idea how I can get these in the UK? Do you know if the 4E extra wide fit is sold in Italy? I know someone travelling to Milan this weekend and wanted to quickly find out.
Jan. 27, 2011
Gail Gillies:
Hi, I've just bought a pair of Gel GT-2150 from The SweatShop in Manchester after running on their gait test machine there (left foot placement was natural and good, but right foot placement trended to land on the inner half of my heel (over-pronate I think)). I've ran twice in my trainers, but because I'm flat-footed and have hardly any in-step arch, the arches of both of my feet have severely blistered. What advice would you give - change the trainers and if so what model would you recommend - Or, can I buy an asics insole that serves to raise may foot in the trainer to lessen the impact on my non-existent arches against what I feel as very firm and uncomfortable in-step support inside the shoe? Thanks, greatly appreciated
Dec. 29, 2010
Neil:
I am a keen footballer so running is a way I keep fit in my own time and during pre season. When I was younger I suffered problems in my Achilles due to being flat footed and having an Overpronation running style. Over time I have managed to correct this to a more neutral style; however recently I went a 6 mile run and couldn’t walk properly for days due to plantar fasciitis and i still feel slight pain in my heels and up my calfs. What type of trainer would you recommend? I am around 11 stone and don’t plan on running long distances, mainly shorter 20min runs at a higher speed. Thanks.
Aug. 24, 2010
david mason:
Hi Team, I am fairly new to running and am really enjoying it. I've been training properly for 4 months and have lost 1.5 stone and my pace is getting quicker all the time and I feel so much stronger. Downside for me is I am a big fella - 6ft 3" 17 Stone (now) - ex-Rugby player and ex Armed Forces. Currently I am wearing a different brand that was recommended to me in a store, but I have found them to be for mild over-pronators. I am told that I have a high arch, but run quite neutral. Obviously I need a shoe that will protect me from impact and offer a degree of support and motion control. I can happily run 10 miles at the moment in 1hr 20 and want to work up to full marathon. I am running the Great North Run for the second time this year and am aiming for sub 2hours. I have no problem at all when running, however the next morning after a run I look like a 90 year old trying to get down stairs as my knees and ankles refuse to flex for about 20 mins. I stretch after every run for 20 mins. My best mate who will only wear Asics suggested I get on this site. Any advice would be greatfully accepted. All the best, Dave
Aug. 07, 2010
maeve glynn:
HI I have worn ascis for years now, mainly the 1150 or 3020 I think. I over pronate apparently and video analysis showed a very slight bow to my tibia's making my foot roll a bit loosely. I've been to a podiatrist lately to renew my orthotics and he recommended the gel kayano 16. With my orthotics in them I find running very difficult and had to dismount the treadmill yesterday. My knees are a little uncomfortable and my ankles seem more painful. Normally I really enjoy running and will just keep going for miles without any problems. I have thrown out my last runner without really looking at the model as I always went on the advice of the sales people. Could I be in the wrong shoe, previously, a different podiatrist told me I needed a neutral shoe. Kind regards Maeve
Aug. 07, 2010
samantha :
Could you help me please. I overpronate while running and have to have orthotics in my trainers.I have been told by my podiatrist i need a neutral trainer with orthotics in them. The problem is no matter what i seem to have bought lately i cant shake tendonitis. I have had the cumulus and also the stratus . I am also a gym instructor and find it hard to work with tendonitis . What trainers would u recomend i usually run 50 miles per week
Jun. 16, 2010
Chris Smith:
Dear team i have been running with no problems in asics 2000 series for over 10 years now. have recently moved to a rural area and doing more running on trails and footpaths - for first time ever have developed hip pain severe enough to stop me running for couple of weeks. Do i need to change shoe to adapt for to the surface or is it just old age catching up with me - hope not as 43 seems young enough to keep going for a while! Thanks Chrs
Jun. 06, 2010
gavin jones:
dear asics team i am normally a neutral runner and use nimbus 11 but have been suffering from tendonitus in my achilles for a while now. i read an article that suggested too much movement in a shoe could make tendonitus worse and that shoes with support would help. Can you suggest an asics shoe that would be suitable ? Thanks, Gavin
May. 21, 2010
Mairead(ASICS staff):
Hi Georg, Yes, the DS-Racer would be a good racing shoe equivalent of the Nimbus. Other options for you would be the more cushioned models of the GEL-CUMULUS or the DS TRAINER. With such a long race as Comrades perhaps you would like to have more cushioning. It depends on what you prefer to race in. In any case we wish you luck in such a big race!
May. 18, 2010
Georg Bogendoerfer:
Dear Asics Team, I am running in Gel Nimbus 9 currently and look for a second pair of running shoes. I am a neutral runner and so not need a lot of support (stable feed). The big event I am running is the Comrades (89km) in South Africa. Can you advise, if the Gel-DS Racer 8 would be a good choice. Thank you, Georg Bogendoerfer
May. 09, 2010