We resolutely adopt a mix of personal and scientific approach. Read on to find out how.
Personalized shoe advice
in 5 steps
Introduction
Hi, welcome at Runners’ lab.
Our advisors value personal contact and commitment. So to clearly picture your situation and preferences, we are curious about you.
Who are you? What are your ambitions, what is your experience, do you have or have you suffered any injuries, what surface do you prefer to run on, are you an experienced runner/walker or even a (top) athlete?
Have you just started running and don’t you know if you’ve come to the right place? The answer is: of course you do! Our goal is to advise and inspire you as comprehensively as possible so that you can run, perform and have fun to the fullest.
Let's run/walk
Introduction to your unique foot profile.
We now know who you are. What we don’t know yet is the unique unrolling pattern of your feet. Our facilities are equipped with a 30m long test track with built-in footscan® technology. This advanced technology records your roll-off pattern and unique foot profile with more than 500 frames per second and +16,000 pressure sensors.
The beauty of this scientific technology is that our consultant can derive a lot of information from it. Which part of your foot catches the most pressure, do you land on your heels, midfoot or forefoot, do you have a sagging foot or a hollow foot, do you pronate or supinate,…
Even the risk of certain injuries (shin splints, achilles tendon problems, knee problems, hip or back problems) our advisors may derive from this.
The shoes
It’s not about what you think is a nice shoe. Let your feet choose!
With your personal foot profile in mind, our consultant travels to the stock where selection is made among the hundreds of different models. Did you know that as one of the only specialty stores in Europe, we also have width sizes and running shoes up to size 52?
Proper shoe selection plays a big role in preventing injury. Good technical shoes need not necessarily be expensive, either. Our shoes range between €130 and €190. From all major well-known and small specialized brands, we offer only the selected top models that meet our quality label.
Test your shoes
One by one on our 30m long test track
The different models our advisor selects for you are then tested one by one on our 30m long test track. Based on your findings and the results of the Footscan® technology, we look for the model with the best combination of support and fit.
If necessary, the insoles of your shoes will be adjusted in our workshop. This personalization allows us to accommodate asymmetry or provide additional support for your feet at specific pressure points. These adjustments are also free of charge and included in our comprehensive service.
Runners' service
Adjustments needed? We can do that in our workshop!
If necessary, the insoles of your shoes will be adjusted in our workshop. This customization allows it to accommodate asymmetry or provide additional support for your feet at specific pressure points. These adjustments are also free of charge and included in our comprehensive service.
A Footscan® analysis, comprehensive personal consultation and insole adjustments are completely free with the purchase of a pair of shoes. Want some time to think about it before purchasing the shoe? Then we charge a deposit of €30. You will receive this back in the form of a voucher when you purchase the shoes at a later date.
FAQ
RUNNING AND WALKING ANALYSIS
Should I make an appointment for a running or walking analysis?
You need an appointment for a running and walking analysis.
Should I provide special clothing for a running or walking analysis?
Special clothing is not required. For proper analysis, however, it is recommended that the lower leg is visible. However, a short is not necessary. For example, in the case of jeans, it is enough to wrap the pant legs around a few times. If possible, provide your current running or walking socks.
Can I have a running analysis even as a non-runner?
Non-runners and non-athletes can certainly come to us for a gait analysis. For walking, working and or everyday shoes (or soles), we can give the right advice via a gait analysis (while walking).
How much does a running or walking analysis cost?
A running or walking analysis is free with the purchase of shoes and/or orthotics. If no immediate purchase is made, we will charge €30 for the analysis.
(However, this €30 is considered an advance when purchasing shoes and/or orthotics within 1 year of the analysis).
How long does a running or walking analysis take?
We charge 20 to 30 minutes per person for a running or walking analysis.
May I stop by for an analysis with (running) shoes purchased elsewhere?
You may certainly come by with shoes not purchased from us. Through the analysis, we determine whether these shoes are suitable for you and, if necessary, we adjust them or recommend more suitable shoes.
What is the difference between a store analysis and a Prolab analysis?
Running or walking analysis (Footscan pressure measurement) in the store provides a lot of information about foot roll-off. These insights are useful when recommending walking and running shoes and formatting orthotics. We do this analysis by default in every store and with every client (beginner to elite athlete). The results are discussed orally.
At the Prolab, gait analysis (Footscan pressure measurement) is augmented by video and marker analysis of the entire running posture with high-speed cameras.
This can be supplemented by a back scan, measurement of any leg length discrepancy and a body composition scan. All results are discussed orally. You will also receive the results afterwards via email, along with a report of the main results.
The Prolab analysis is useful for anyone who wants a comprehensive analysis of their complete running posture or if a running analysis in the store would indicate that more research is needed.
Where should I go for a Prolab analysis?
A Prolab analysis is only possible in our store in Zwijndrecht.
RUNNING AND WALKING SHOES
How should I maintain my running and walking shoes?
Running shoes are best cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap. Preferably with a hand scrubbing brush. Soak laces in a bucket. Then let the shoes dry out in a dry, warm place (room temperature). NOT on the heater to prevent distortion. Your shoes should also not go in the washing machine or dryer.
How long do running shoes last?
The life of a running shoe is not determined solely by visible, external wear. Features such as stability and shock absorption depend greatly on the longevity of the midsole, which is mainly determined by the total number of running miles. A midsole lasts about 800 to 1,000 km. This figure will be lower with regular walking on hard surfaces and with higher body weight. Your running style can also have an impact.
How can I tell if my running or walking shoes need replacement?
Inspection of shoe sole or upper is not always reliable. In some cases, there is little or no visible, external wear but the shoe will still provide insufficient cushioning or stability due to the total number of miles you ran or walked. Feel free to stop by for our free expert advice regarding the wear of your shoes.
Why shouldn't I base my choice on the looks of a running or walking shoe?
With us, your feet are subjected to a scientific running or walking analysis. Based on the measurement results, your foot type and gait pattern will be analyzed. Then, the most appropriate shoes are recommended and adjusted if necessary. Brand and color, in our opinion, are secondary to stability, flexibility, fit and shock absorption. However, sometimes it is possible to choose a different color of the chosen model.
Can I come back with my running shoes if it doesn't go well?
If, after several running or walking sessions, it appears that something is not quite right after all, you are certainly welcome for additional analysis. We will again review the walking and running pattern and if possible (and depending on the cause of the complaint) adjust the shoes for you in our workshop. This after-sales service is also free of charge.
ORTHOTICS
Do I need to make an appointment for orthotics measurements?
You should make an appointment for the measurement of orthotics. This is possible through our online system. Orthotics are made in an experienced workshop in Antwerp and finished in our own workshop in Zwijndrecht. It is not possible to take the orthotics with you immediately after the measurement. For D3D and 3D Phits orthotics, expect 2-3 weeks before they are ready.
Be sure to bring the shoes in which the soles will be worn.
How long do orthotics last?
With daily use about 1 year. If the soles are only used for walking (2-3 times/week) about 2 generations of running shoes (so approx. 2000km). Of course, longevity depends on the type of sole, material used and body weight.
Do Runners' lab orthotics fit all shoes?
It is not possible to make one sole that fits perfectly in all types of shoes since there is too much difference in the fit of shoes. We can, however, make different orthotics to suit the type of shoe. In other words, the orthotic for a narrow dressy everyday shoe size 42 will look different from the orthotic for a running shoe size 42.
Do you also make orthotics for children?
If recommended or on the advice of a specialist, we also make insoles for children. After all, children’s feet are still developing. At birth, children usually have flat feet and a slight valgus position. With growth and further development, cavity formation occurs naturally and stability also improves. Therefore, we no longer correct from infancy.
At Runners’ lab, we believe that feet should continue to develop naturally. Only when there are effective complaints or the doctor effectively recommends orthotics, we are going to intervene in that natural development.
How long does it take to make orthotics?
Measuring takes 20 to 30 minutes. Typically, our D3D orthotics are ready for pickup after about 2-3 weeks.
Shipping by mail is possible.
How much do your orthotics cost?
The price of orthotics is usually €129. For Phits orthotics, the 3D printed version, the cost is €169.
Are orthotics from Runners' lab reimbursed by health insurance?
Currently, three health insurance companies have recognized podiatry (this may change annually).
We have licensed podiatrists on staff who do orthotic analysis and can sign reimbursement forms for the appropriate health insurance companies. Bring your application form to the store.
