Gait Analysis: Misleading and Disappointing

I visited Up and Running for a Gait Analysis before purchasing my next pair of running shoes and found the description on their website extremely mislieading. The "interactive assessment" (step 1) basically consisted of being asked 3 very superficial questions whilst I put my running gear on. For the "static biomechanical assessment" (Step 2), they did NOT look at my shoeless foot and they did NOT look at my standing posture. The jogging gait cycle took less than 30 seconds on the treadmill and did NOT involve any further questions. The shop assistant then tried to explain the video footage on the computer but didn't seem very confident so gave up after about a minutes. The "shoe fit" and "Dartfish Gait Analysis" (steps 3 and 4) did NOT involve any further filming to determine if the new shoes improved my gait and did NOT provide any more assistance than I would expect in an average sports store. In fact the previous pair of running shoes I brought were from Sports Direct and the assistant I dealt with there was considerably more enthusiastic, helpful and knowledgeable. What they also fail to mention on the website is that they charge £20 for the service; unless you buy the shoes from the store then it's free. In my opinion, the "service" provided is not worth £20. However the trainers in store are so over priced that it is cheaper to pay the £20 and then purchase the trainers off the internet!! The webpage says that it is not "all about the computer" but neither is it "all about the runner". Mostly it is a gimic to sell trainers. Overall, extremely dissappointed. I will NOT be recommending Gait Analysis (as performed by Up and Running at least) to friends and I will NOT be returning to the Up and Running store.

Hannah Bishop - 13/11/2011 | report this review