Whilst it is always best to seek running shoe advice from a specialist, Mizuno have harnessed their knowledge and experience of footwear production and produced the most complete online foot analysis tool yet.

The Precision Fit tool is unique in that it is the only online tool that assesses a runner’s biomechanics and running technique. Incorporating Mizuno’s highest levels of experience, insight and expertise, it aids every runner in identifying the perfect shoe suitable to their needs.

The precision fit test involves 9 steps to determine which shoe is most suitable for you.

Step 1 Gender – Firstly, you are asked to confirm whether you are male or female as obviously this will have an overall effect on the outcome of the test and the shoes that are recommended to you.

Step 2 Body Weight – Confirm your body weight. You are given 3 categories to choose from: Less than 70kgs (155lbs, 11 stone), 70-85kgs (155-190lbs, 11-13 stone) and More than 85kgs (190lbs +, 13 stone 3 lbs +). This step is important to determine the amount of cushioning for your shoe.

Step 3 Average Training Pace – Confirm your average training pace. You are given 3 categories to choose from: Slower than 6 minutes per km or 10 minutes per mile, Intermediate, between 4.5-6 minutes per km or 7-10 minutes per mile or Faster than 4.5 minutes per km or 7 minutes per mile.

Step 4 Foot Type – Determine your foot type by treading a wet footprint onto a tiled floor or a piece of newspaper. You are given illustrations of 4 different foot types to choose from, high-arch foot, medium-arch foot, low-arch foot and flat foot. Compare your footprint to the 4 selections and choose the closest matching one. This is likely to be the most important step, to determine whether you require a motion control or neutral shoe.

Step 5 Foot Rotation – This is calculated by walking barefoot in a straight line, checking the angles of your toes in relation to the heel. There are 3 options to choose from: One or both feet point inwards, normal in a slight V-position and one or both feet point outwards. Select the one closest to the characteristics of your feet.

Step 6 Foot Strike – Determine your foot strike style, dependant on what part of your foot strikes the ground first when running. The two options are mid-foot/forefoot striker or a heel striker. If you are not sure, it is likely you are a heel striker.

Step 7 Static Leg Axis – To determine your leg axis, stand upright with your ankles together. Do not hyperextend your knees, keep them slightly bent. Compare your leg axis to the 3 options given: Bow legs (at least two fingers fit between the knees when ankles are together), straight legs (the knees almost touch when the ankles are together) and knock knees (at least two fingers fit between the ankles when the knees are together).

Step 8 Flexibility In Upper Ankle – This is measured by standing barefoot with feet a shoulders width apart, then lower yourself into a deep squat until your bottom almost touches your heel. If you can make it into this position without raising your heels or falling over then you have a normal range of flexibility. Failure to reach this position correctly may indicate that you have muscle tightness and/or reduced mobility in your upper ankle joint.

Step 9 Dynamic Leg Axis – Stand barefoot and perform a number of single right-leg squats, bending the supporting left leg to approximately 35 degrees. Keep your torso and hips straight throughout and compare the knee movement of the supporting leg with an imaginary line drawn from the centre of your hip joint down to your ankle joint. There are 3 possible categories that your movement fits into: Outward (one or both knees rotate externally), straight (both knees remain on an imaginary straight line drawn from hip joint to the foot) and inwards (one or both knees rotate internally).

These 9 steps complete the Mizuno precision fit tool and you are then presented with your personalised results. In my case, it confirmed that I was a neutral runner (which I already knew) and suggested 3 different running shoes that would offer the cushioning and support that I required. The analysis report and biomechanical profile breaks down each of the 9 sections, suggesting what each answer means in terms of your running style and footwear requirements. By filling in a quick and easy form you can also gain access to a personalised strengthening and stretching plan, with exercises designed to protect from injury and increase running efficiency. Give it a try, it might just help....

Find the precision fit tool at http://www.myprecisionfit.com