What Is a Gait Analysis?

Your gait is the way your body moves as you walk or run. A gait analysis is a step-by-step evaluation of that movement. 

During your visit to our Clearwater store, our trained fitters first will have a conversation with you to determine any injuries, use of the shoes, and goals of the near future. 

Next you will take off your shoes and/or socks and your foot structure (foot/ankle complex) will be assesed to note the height of your arch and the type of foot you have, such as wide, narrow, straight, curved. 

From there  you will walk so we can see your foot in a dynamic state. Looking for:

• Foot strike position (heel, midfoot, or forefoot)

• Overpronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward)

• Knee and hip alignment

• Stride length and rhythm

From there, we identify your foot type and recommend footwear that keeps your stride balanced and your joints protected.

*Why It Matters for Injury Prevention*

Every stride puts three to four times your body weight on your feet. Over thousands of steps, that adds up to serious stress — especially if your shoes don’t match your biomechanics.

Common injuries linked to gait issues include:

• Plantar fasciitis (arch or heel pain)
• Shin splints (tibial stress from overpronation)
• Runner’s knee (misalignment of the kneecap)
• IT band syndrome (hip and outer-knee tension)

By analyzing your movement before pain starts, gait analysis helps correct alignment, improve efficiency, and prevent repetitive strain injuries. If you already have an injury we can assess what shoe can put your lower extremities back in proper alignment.

How Gait Analysis Keeps You Running Strong

1. Proper Shoe Matching: Support and cushioning designed for your gait reduce impact stress on joints.
2. Improved Shock Absorption: Footwear tailored to your stride helps your body absorb impact naturally.
3. Balanced Mechanics: Correcting foot roll and posture aligns your knees, hips, and back.
4. Detection: Identifying small imbalances now prevents  major injuries later or can alleviate current issues.

* The ARC Difference *

Our gait analysis is always free  and no appointment pressure, no sales gimmicks. Our Clearwater team includes experienced runners and fit specialists who genuinely care about your performance and comfort.

We don’t just sell shoes ... we help you run smarter, stronger, and pain-free.

Ready to Run Better?

Don’t wait until discomfort stops you. Discover how gait analysis can transform your running experience.

Check out our store today at americanrunningcompany.com and visit us in Clearwater, Florida.

Your best stride starts here.