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Hi everyone
I'm really new to running and am looking to get running shoes in a few weeks when I'm home (I'm a student).
Some shops offer fitting using a treadmill and video camera etc, one nearby has started offering "Natural gait analysis" where you run on the street and they watch you.
Are these much of a muchness or is one "better"? I really have no idea what I am looking for I just keep reading advice to "buy proper shoes"?
Can anyone offer advice?
Scott
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there is a good section on types of shoes on this site.
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/choosing-a-shoe-the-very-basics/481.html
A proper running shop should give you good advice and offer shoes that are suitable for you, this will not always be the most expensive. They want to keep your business!
Yeah thats the sort of thing I was looking for. Thanks
There are pros and cons to treadmill versus on-street gait analysis.
Running on the street is probably more natural and unrestricted, where as a treadmill can have a small effect on your gait.... but the on-street observer can't slow a video down and show YOU how you're running, which I find interesting. The skill of the observer is important... and probably moreso for the on-street option, because by its nature, you soon disappear from easy viewing distance - someone watching you on a treadmill can take their time and do this comfortably, and also use the video for analysis too.
I've had both - and both came to the same conclusion about my gait, which is encouraging. In conclusion, I'd say that if I could guarantee to have the very top biomechanic expert to analyse my gait, I'd choose the street. But on balance, I'd suggest that someone with a decent reputation with a treadmill would normally be the better option. I preferred the treadmill experience. But I wouldn't knock either method.