Runlimited Gait Analysis Review - Borough Yards London

Last updated: 31 March 2026

By Stiv · Design, technology and personal finance

This is an opinion piece. Views expressed are the author's own and do not constitute professional advice.

This article contains affiliate or referral links. If you click through and sign up I may earn a commission or referral bonus at no extra cost to you. It does not affect my editorial view.

Cool Factor: 4/5 - Stone Cold

I had been putting off buying new running shoes for months, partly because the choice is overwhelming, and partly because I have a mild pre-existing lower back injury and really didn't want to make it worse with the wrong pair. After reading advice from sports science and medical experts that the best way to buy running shoes is to get a proper gait analysis in London first, I booked a session at Runlimited's Borough Yards store on Dirty Lane in SE1. For £5 paid upfront at booking, it was one of the best running-related decisions I've made.

What is Runlimited?

If you're looking for a gait analysis in London, Runlimited is one of the strongest options available. It's an independent running store with three locations: Borough Yards, Baker Street, and St Pauls at One New Change. Because it isn't tied to a single brand, the staff can recommend whatever shoe genuinely suits you, rather than whatever they need to shift. In addition to footwear, the stores carry a full range of running clothing for men and women, alongside the kind of knowledgeable service you simply won't find in a large chain retailer.

Before you arrive: the questionnaire

Before the session, I filled in a short questionnaire covering height, weight, age, and any existing injuries. It took about two minutes and was a useful prompt to think about what I actually wanted from the experience. That information then formed the basis of the consultation when I arrived in store. Ben, the member of staff looking after me, went through the questionnaire details and asked what I was hoping to get out of the session. Given my lower back history, finding a shoe that offered the right level of support without putting additional strain on my back was the clear priority.

The gait analysis: how it works

Ben started me off in a pair of Nike trainers fitted with electronic insoles. These aren't just foam inserts -- they're pressure-mapping sensors that capture data across your entire foot strike as you run. After lacing up, I stepped onto the in-store treadmill and ran for around 20 to 30 seconds. Ben both observed my running style and filmed it, while the insoles simultaneously collected data on pressure distribution, where I was straining, and how my legs and surrounding muscles were being loaded through each stride.

We then repeated the process with three further pairs: a less cushioned set of New Balances, a pair of Ons, and finally a pair of Hokas. By the end of the session, Ben had four complete data sets from four different shoes, which gave him a clear picture of what level of support and what shape of sole worked best for my specific gait and my injury history.

The whole thing took 30 minutes. According to Runlimited, sessions can run up to 45 minutes depending on how many pairs you want to test.

The result

I settled on the Hokas. Based on the data and Ben's assessment, they offered the best combination of cushioning, stability, and support for my gait pattern. Importantly, there was no pressure to buy on the day -- Ben was straightforward about what the data showed and presented the options clearly without a sales pitch attached. Because I had already paid the £5 booking fee upfront, there was no awkward moment at the till either. I chose to buy, and the £5 was simply deducted from the cost of the shoes in store.

Value for money

At £5 paid upfront at booking, the gait analysis is remarkably good value. There's no obligation to buy anything on the day, and the fee doesn't feel like a soft commitment to spend. If you do purchase shoes in store, the £5 comes straight off the price, so most visitors effectively pay nothing extra for the session.

For runners managing an existing injury, the value is even clearer. Rather than guessing which shoe might reduce strain, you leave with data-backed certainty. For me, that peace of mind alone was worth considerably more than £5.

The verdict

Cool Factor

★★★★☆

4 out of 5 - Stone Cold

The Runlimited gait analysis at Borough Yards is exactly what a specialist running shop should offer. The process is structured, the technology is genuinely useful, and the staff know their subject without making you feel like you're being sold to. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, a 30-minute session here will almost certainly save you money, discomfort, and frustration in the long run.

Book your session at runlimited.co.

Overall, a deserved 4 out of 5: Stone Cold. The £5, data-led gait analysis at Runlimited Borough Yards is one of the most useful things you can do before buying running shoes in London. Ben's knowledge, the electronic pressure-mapping insoles, and the structured four-shoe comparison produced a genuinely useful outcome -- and left me with a pair of Hokas I'm confident in. The reason it doesn't quite reach Ice Cold is simply that you're limited to the brands Runlimited stocks. If your optimal shoe turns out to be something outside their range, you'll need to take the data elsewhere. That said, their selection is strong, the approach is honest, and the store is worth the trip on its own.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Runlimited gait analysis cost?

The gait analysis costs £5, paid online when you book your appointment. There's no expectation to buy anything on the day. However, if you do end up purchasing a pair of shoes in store, the £5 is deducted from the price at the till.

How long does a Runlimited gait analysis take?

Sessions typically take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on how many shoes you try. The running itself is brief -- around 20 to 30 seconds per shoe -- but the consultation, data review, and trying multiple pairs on the treadmill is where the time goes.

What should I expect when I arrive?

You'll have filled in a short questionnaire before your appointment covering height, weight, age, and any existing injuries. A member of staff will go through this with you, discuss what you're looking for, and then fit you with electronic insoles to start the analysis. You don't need to bring your own shoes -- Runlimited provides everything.

Is gait analysis worth it if I have an existing injury?

A gait analysis won't replace the advice of a physiotherapist or sports medicine professional, but it can be a genuinely useful step when choosing running shoes around an existing issue. If you have a significant injury, it's worth consulting a specialist first. For mild issues like minor lower back strain, a data-backed shoe recommendation is considerably better than guessing.

Which brands does Runlimited stock?

Runlimited carries a curated mix of major and specialist brands. During my session we worked through Nike, New Balance, On, and Hoka. The store also stocks Asics, Saucony, and a selection of newer performance labels. Because they're independent, the range is chosen on merit rather than brand deals.

Where is the Runlimited Borough Yards store?

The Borough Yards store is at Unit 210, Dirty Lane, London SE1 9PA. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 9am to 3pm. Runlimited also has stores at Baker Street and St Pauls (One New Change).

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