Are Shoe Store Running Assessments Good?

Did you ever wonder, like I did, if you should be wearing a “better” shoe when you workout or run?

There have been many fads around shoes that can make it very confusing to know what is a “good” shoe. 

It only seems natural to go to a shoe store and ask the salesperson about the shoes. Then speciality running shoe stores started to have their sales people watch customers run to help them choose the proper shoe. Now, large athletic store are offering the same service.  But are you really getting quality information? 

I was recently at an athletic store looking through their shoe department. That particular day they were offering a FREE Run Assessment. They were having customers run on a treadmill for 1-2 minutes while the salesperson recorded them. Then the customer and salesperson reviewed the video to determine the type of shoe the customer should purchase. 

Unfortunately the scene I was watching the customer was told he had a “neutral foot” when he had been previously diagnosed with “flat feet.”  So confusion set in on both sides of the conversation.    
But of course the person doing these “running assessments” are sales people they are not extensively educated on human anatomy or  human function. They are educated on specific shoe models and the differences between shoe brands. 

If you are looking for shoe information I believe running shoe stores are a great resource for consumers. 

If you are trying to find out why you have pain running or workout then you need a Specialist Physical Therapist to assess your movement while doing the painful activity.  That is the fastest way to stop your pain, prevent injuries, and get back on your fitness journey without having to rest. 

If you want to find out if you pronate, supinate or have a neutral foot then you should be fully assessed by a Specialist Physical Therapist.   With the knowledge you get from a Full Body Diagnostic then you will know the type of shoe you are looking for at the store with confidence.  

Who wants to spend $$$ on shoes only to find out your footwear was not the cause of your pain? 

If you would like more information about Your Goals Physical Therapy’s Full Body Diagnostic simply email me or leave a comment below.