The Right Fit
In addition to carrying the highest quality and most technically advanced running and walking shoes, VA Runner is the only running specialty store in Virginia to provide a full biomechanics assessment by certified experts. VA Runner clients receive a full head to toe assessment of their body in motion with a detailed explanation of the results. Our assessment is two phase, static and ballistic.
Static Assessment
The static assessment consists of evaluating:
- Foot morphology (shape and structure of the foot) seated and standing.
- Common running or walking injuries.
Ballistic Assessment
The ballistic assessment consists of observing thirteen aspects of the entire body in motion, both walking and running gait.
- Flexion of the Major Phalangiel joint (big toe)
- Flexion or stability of the Midtarsal joint (arch)
- Forefoot AB or AD duction (foot postion)
- Flexion or stability of the Subtalor joint (lower ankle)
- Flexion or stability of the ankle mortise (upper ankle)
- Tibial torsion (shin)
- Q angle of the knee (knee joint)
- Femoral torsion (thigh)
- Pelvic rotation (hips)
- Torso rotation (abdominals)
- Arm swing
- Shoulder equilibrium
- Head tilt
Upon completion of the Biomechanics assessment VA Runner clients receive a detailed explanation of their results. It is not enough to tell people what shoe to buy. We feel it is very important for our clients to understand their unique and specific needs and why certain shoes and or insoles may be more appropriate for them. We are very proud to be the only running store in Virginia to offer this service.
Getting used to your new shoes
- We believe that new shoes should feel great. However, most of our first time clients have been used to wearing improperly fitted shoes. Changing to shoes that do fit and perform properly may take some getting used to.
- Wear your new shoes around the house for a few hours before testing them outside. If you have any doubts about the fit please let us know.
- If they do not feel great after the first test do not give up. It may take three or four tries to know if they are going to be just right.
- Mild soreness is not unusual any may be your body adjusting to a more efficient range of motion.
- Pain, however, is not good and should be addressed right away.