Running gait: are you a pronator, neutral or supinator?
Don't know whether you're a pronator, neutral or supinator when you run? Don't fear, former long-distance British runner Julian Goater is here to explain the differences between running gaits and how to assess yours
Whether you’re classified as a ‘pronator’, ‘neutral’ or ‘supinator’ runner depends on whether your feet roll inwards or outwards as they strike the ground. In this article, we explain different types of running gait and how to identify your gait within them.
Knowing your own running gait is key to understanding any potential injury risks or strains linked to how you strike the ground while running and what kind of running shoes are best for you.
What is the meaning of pronation?
With pronation, the foot rolls inwards and nearly everybody pronates to some extent, and that’s how feet are designed to work, with the foot rolling slightly inwards as your bodyweight is taken on the ball of the foot.
A mild pronator will probably find a neutral shoe ideal, providing a good arch support but no additional stability devices. Whether you reach for a carbon-plated running shoe or trail running shoe depends on the terrain you’re planning to run on.
What is overpronation?
Overpronation is when the outside of the heel makes the initial ground contact before the foot rolls inward, putting pressure on the ankle and foot. Your foot and ankle don’t just roll, but actually collapse inwards as your weight goes over the foot – you may need some extra support from the shoe or from an orthotic device.
There’s a large selection of anti-pronation shoes designed to compensate for this weakness but beware: too much correction will transfer your weight to the outsides of your feet. And although this will limit (and may even prevent) your pronation, it may cause problems higher up your legs, to your knees, hips or lower back.
Whatever solution you choose, don’t insert an orthotic device into a motion-control shoe. Either go for an orthotic in a neutral shoe or for a stability shoe without the orthotic.
What is meant by supination?
Less than 10% of us are supinators – where the foot rolls out and the weight is taken on the outside of the foot as opposed to the ball of the foot – and the choice of shoes available to these runners is considerably more limited.
In which case, an orthotic device (basically a bespoke insole) inserted into a neutral shoe might be the answer.
How do you know whether you’re a supinator or a pronator? Mild or severe?
Many specialist running shops now offer some form of gait analysis to help you choose the most suitable type of shoe, in terms of support and cushioning.
However, running across a pressure mat and trying to get one foot to land on the mat doesn’t always give the most representative pressure pattern.
Running on a treadmill gives an observer a better chance of accurately analysing your running gait. But also don’t discount the value of simply examining the wear pattern on the sole and heel cup of your old shoes. Alternatively, you could get a friend to video you running from the front and behind.
More advice to help you look after your feet:
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