What separates us from other competitive stores, both online and brick-and-mortar, is our care for fitting you in the right shoe. Our process takes you, your needs, and your goals into consideration every step of the way. Whether you are a runner, walker, or simply need something to keep your feet comfortable, you'll be right at home with OK Runner.
Regardless of what you know (or don't know) about running or running shoes, we can help guide you to the perfect shoe by using our tried-and-true fitting process developed and taught by certified pedorthist, Craig Thompson. Keep reading to learn more about how we find each customer's perfect fit!
Regardless of what you know (or don't know) about running or running shoes, we can help guide you to the perfect shoe by using our tried-and-true fitting process developed and taught by certified pedorthist, Craig Thompson. Keep reading to learn more about how we find each customer's perfect fit!
Supination and Pronation
When using the terms "supination" or "pronation", we are specifically referring to the motion of the subtalar joint, one of the major ankle joints. To put it simply, supination is outward rotation and pronation is inward rotation of the foot. If you rotate your foot outward so you are putting pressure on the lateral side (outside) of your foot, you're in a supinated position. Rolling towards the inward or medial side of the foot is pronation, typically caused by hypermobility in the subtalar joint of the foot. Supination causes excessive pressure on the lateral side of the foot, while pronation can lead to valgus collapse (inward motion at the knee) and cascade all the way into your lower back, trunk, and shoulders. Because supination and pronation are both naturally occurring movements in almost everyone's walking and running mechanics, it can be difficult to tell if you're doing either or both of them enough, too much, or not enough.
That's where we come in! Our job is to identify and correct any excessive motion to keep you on your feet and loving every mile.
When using the terms "supination" or "pronation", we are specifically referring to the motion of the subtalar joint, one of the major ankle joints. To put it simply, supination is outward rotation and pronation is inward rotation of the foot. If you rotate your foot outward so you are putting pressure on the lateral side (outside) of your foot, you're in a supinated position. Rolling towards the inward or medial side of the foot is pronation, typically caused by hypermobility in the subtalar joint of the foot. Supination causes excessive pressure on the lateral side of the foot, while pronation can lead to valgus collapse (inward motion at the knee) and cascade all the way into your lower back, trunk, and shoulders. Because supination and pronation are both naturally occurring movements in almost everyone's walking and running mechanics, it can be difficult to tell if you're doing either or both of them enough, too much, or not enough.
That's where we come in! Our job is to identify and correct any excessive motion to keep you on your feet and loving every mile.
Evaluation Process
Everyone has a unique gait of his or her own, and it takes a trained eye to recognize distinguishing factors of someone's gait cycle. This is why every employee is trained by Craig Thompson, certified pedorthist and founder of Oh-Be-Joyful Orthotics, to identify and cater to your biomechanical needs.
Before we check your gait, we take a look at the natural positions of your ankles, knees, and hips, as well as the height and strength of your arches. Once you start walking, we observe the hips and look for instability, then check your knees for inward (valgus) or outward (varus) motion. Finally, we take note of any collapse in your arches and the direction of motion in your subtalar joint. Taking these into account with any history of aches, pains, or injuries you might have had, we are able to identify the perfect shoe category for you: neutral, guidance, stability, or motion control.
At OK Runner, we have crafted this process because we believe the greatest tool we have isn't necessarily slow-motion cameras, high-tech treadmills, or the latest foot pressure analyzer; it's a professional with the knowledge and experience to pinpoint problems and the compassion to get to know every customer's needs.
Everyone has a unique gait of his or her own, and it takes a trained eye to recognize distinguishing factors of someone's gait cycle. This is why every employee is trained by Craig Thompson, certified pedorthist and founder of Oh-Be-Joyful Orthotics, to identify and cater to your biomechanical needs.
Before we check your gait, we take a look at the natural positions of your ankles, knees, and hips, as well as the height and strength of your arches. Once you start walking, we observe the hips and look for instability, then check your knees for inward (valgus) or outward (varus) motion. Finally, we take note of any collapse in your arches and the direction of motion in your subtalar joint. Taking these into account with any history of aches, pains, or injuries you might have had, we are able to identify the perfect shoe category for you: neutral, guidance, stability, or motion control.
At OK Runner, we have crafted this process because we believe the greatest tool we have isn't necessarily slow-motion cameras, high-tech treadmills, or the latest foot pressure analyzer; it's a professional with the knowledge and experience to pinpoint problems and the compassion to get to know every customer's needs.
Determining Your Perfect Fit
It's important to understand that there is no magic shoe. Some brands claim to have uncovered the secret formula or the perfect material, but every runner, walker, and athlete has their own biomechanic fingerprint (or footprint), and it's highly unlikely for one shoe to match everyone's needs. As a result, we perform a thorough analysis of your needs prior to picking what kind of shoe might suit you best. The most important step to guarantee your status as a happy, healthy athlete is to identify which of the four categories you fall into: neutral, guidance, stability, or motion control.
It's important to understand that there is no magic shoe. Some brands claim to have uncovered the secret formula or the perfect material, but every runner, walker, and athlete has their own biomechanic fingerprint (or footprint), and it's highly unlikely for one shoe to match everyone's needs. As a result, we perform a thorough analysis of your needs prior to picking what kind of shoe might suit you best. The most important step to guarantee your status as a happy, healthy athlete is to identify which of the four categories you fall into: neutral, guidance, stability, or motion control.
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NEUTRAL
A neutral runner has a strong arch, healthy biomechanics, and may either supinate or pronate a small, natural amount. This doesn't indicate that you have a perfect gait, simply that there's nothing in your foot biomechanics that requires correction. |
GUIDANCE
Guidance shoes are a middle ground between neutral and stability. Athletes who need a guidance shoe might show some minor overpronation during the gait analysis, slightly low arches, or may simply prefer something less flexible than a neutral shoe. |
STABILITY
A runner who needs a stability shoe most likely has low or flat arches, a history of ankle or knee pain, or biomechanical issues found during the gait analysis. This doesn't mean you're a bad athlete! As many as 80% of people fit into this category. |
MOTION CONTROL
Motion control shoes are for athletes who need substantial correction in their foot mechanics. They provide a high level of support; as a result they are generally the firmest and heaviest shoes. This may be necessary to encourage healthy biomechanics. |
After determining your ideal category, we take your personal preferences into account. What brands have you had success with in the past? Do you want a shoe that feels like a cloud, or something that lets you feel the ground beneath you? Do you want something that feels like it springs you forward every step, or would you rather have something plush that you can sink into? What feels best on your foot? We want to find a shoe that feels comfortable from the moment you lace up to the last mile of your long run.
Now that you know what to expect and understand our fitting process, you can have faith that you are getting nothing but the best when shopping at OK Runner. Visit either of our locations in OKC or Norman, and experience our expertise first hand!