What is gait analysis and do you need it?

If you’ve ever stepped into a running shop and been offered a gait analysis, you might have wondered what it actually involves—and whether it’s worth doing.

A Gait test is the process of assessing how your body moves when you walk or run. In a running context, it focuses on how your foot strikes the ground, how it rolls through each step, and how your body absorbs impact. The aim is to understand your natural biomechanics so you can choose running shoes that work with your stride—not against it.

In most running stores, this involves a short treadmill run while a member of staff observes your movement, sometimes using video to slow things down. They’ll look for patterns like overpronation (excessive inward roll), underpronation, or a more neutral gait, and use this to guide your shoe choice.

So, do you actually need one? Not always—but it can be really useful. If you’re new to running, unsure what shoes suit you, or dealing with recurring injuries, gait analysis can take the guesswork out of the process. It gives you a clearer understanding of how you run and what type of shoe might help you stay comfortable and injury-free. That said, it’s not an exact science—your gait can change depending on fatigue, pace, and terrain—so comfort should always remain a key factor.

Shoe Fitting at Run Active Essex

At Run Active Essex, gait analysis goes a step further with Arion Hub technology. Using smart pressure-sensing insoles and motion tracking, the system captures real-time data on how your foot interacts with the ground across each stride.

In just a short run, it measures key metrics like footstrike, contact time, cadence, and biomechanical load—building a detailed picture of your running style. The Arion Hub can even compare how different shoes affect your movement and potential injury risk, helping you make a more informed choice.

Combined with expert advice from the team, it’s a simple but powerful way to find the right shoe for you—and leave with confidence in your choice.

Ultimately, gait analysis isn’t essential—but with modern tech like Arion Hub, it’s a valuable tool that can help you run smarter, not just harder.