79% of UK runners could be running in the wrong shoes – runnersworld.com

According to new research, commissioned on behalf of ASICS, the majority of UK runners could be running in shoes that aren’t suitable for their foot type. 79% of the runners surveyed were unaware of their running style, having never had a gait analysis.

The research, conducted by YouGov found that a further 70% of runners surveyed didn’t know if they were a pronating runner or a neutral or under-pronator runner. The research concluded that if runners are running in shoes that aren’t suited to them, they are at a higher risk of injury.

As we explain in our guide to choosing a running shoe, running shoes are often divided into two main categories: structured and neutral. Surprisingly, only 30% of the runners surveyed admitted to actually knowing the difference between a stability and neutral running shoe.

Sports Podiatrist, Mick Habgood said, “research has shown that runners are at a higher risk of injury if they run in the wrong shoes, so I would always recommend runners to complete a gait analysis to ensure that they end up with the right shoe for them. Not only could this help to reduce the risk of injury, but it could also help to improve their overall comfort and performance.

“We’re not all built the same and we all have different running techniques, but I definitely see more runners who overpronate in clinic and it’s these runners that I would prescribe a stability shoe.”

Runners can do a gait analysis at a number of running shops throughout the UK, including the Asics Running Lab in Regent Street.