I started running 2 years ago, lost weight, ran a race, then fell out of running and eating well over the past year. I'm trying to change all of that again and realized I needed new shoes after my run Thursday resulted in knee and lower back pain. After poking around in this forum last night and seeing the recommendations about getting your gait analyzed for a running shoe, I was convinced. Good timing to check this forum!

So an hour ago I walked into the local running store, and within my first few steps of my gait analysis the young guy at the store chuckled to himself and said "Yeah I can tell already, but keep going." He then told me I super overpronate, and asked if I have any knee/IT band/hip flexor issues--those are exactly my three (interconnected) trouble spots! He fit me in the highest category motion control shoes they had and WOW, what a difference! I can't believe I waited so long to get fitted because I thought "Eh, these are good enough," "These shoes are so much cheaper though," "I probably hurt because I'm overweight, not because of my shoes," "Only real runners go to running stores."

Ahhhhh what a relief! Can't wait to hit the pavement in these babies tomorrow!

Thank you for posting this! I have been really intimidated to walk into a running store. I do not see myself as a runner, and don't go for long distances. That, in combination with not feeling like spending that kind of $$ on me, has kept me out of the stores. Lately, I've been having some lower back and knee pain. I will make it a priority to go get fitted this week .

Happy running!! Congrats on putting your health as a priority!!

I went last summer and am so happy that I did. I probably should go in again because I weigh less and I would imagine that affects my motion.

I thought I would be embarrassed because I have big feet and I was afraid they would think, "What's that big-footed heavy lady doing in here!??" LOL. But my experience was really, really great. It was a young kid who was probably in his early 20's but he was really professional and took the whole thing very seriously. He sold me a pair of shoes and ultimately I found them too soft, but he had written down another brand/style/size and I bought those here locally--they're perfect.

So I am really glad to hear that you had a good experience and I would encourage anyone who wants to run to get fitted at a running store. Running in good shoes is a wonderful experience!

I'm happy to hear that all our harping about going to a "running store" that knows what they're talking about. doesn't go unheard ... I'm glad you posted this so other can become belivers too....

Yay I hope I can help motivate those that might avoid the stickies! Haha. If it's not raining I hope to run before sunset tonight and will let everyone know how it goes.