The running store watched me run on the treadmill and told me I needed a stability shoe because I pronate. Why do I need a gait analysis by a pedorthist?
The running stores that take the time to watch runners on the treadmill are typically the best source for your running shoes. Such efforts demonstrate a desire to fit the runner and work with the runner until a shoe is located. They have usually tried on most of the shoes and are daily determining which foot type works best with which shoe. Additionally, they are intimately familiar with the idiosyncrasies of each shoe since most have attempted running in them and are the first people to discuss problems with the shoe with the customer. That said, input from a pedorthist who specializes in the feet of athletes and is an athlete as well is invaluable. First, it is impossible for the human eye to pick up on all of the biomechanical issues of an athlete without the benefit of a video taped session that can be slowed down and replayed many times. And, of course it goes without saying that the video is only as valuable as the practitioner evaluating it! Second, most individuals do not posse
