Is getting fitted for running shoes worth it?

Think fitting is free if you buy shoes.

Overall probably worth it, but I’d try to go somewhere that has the foot scan machine - more useful than someone filming you and saying you overpronate.

Yes. 100%.

Yes. Even if you are walking distances.

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It's not so much "fitting" as it is them watching you walk/run in them for a little bit and making sure they're good for your level of pronation, shoe size, etc. Think of it as a more advanced version of your mom making you walk around in the shoes at PayLess!

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Exactly. I hate the term "fitting". They will tell you if you are an over/under-pronator or not. But outside of that, there is no fitting other than size. They can basically say you should use a supportive heel shoe or not. Everything else is really a preference. Now a running shop has better insight as to what shoes may fit what you like, but you have to communicate what you like (more cushion, less cushion, wider toe box, lower drop, higher drop, etc.)

My right foot is smaller than my left.

Research has shown that using a running shoe that you personally feel comfortable in is more important than having someone analyze your gait and recommend a shoe based on over/under pronation.

If you are a running enthusiast and insist on having your form checked and purchase shoes based on it. I would highly recommend go see someone who can perform a true gait analysis on you, not just an employ at a retail store

I highly recommend Varsity sports. No charge for fitting.

I’ll try to give my opinion without sounding like an a-hole.

It’s a good practice, but only if you use the feedback to fix your issues. There is no “individual” running form - there is correct human mechanics and incorrect human mechanics, with only modest acceptable variation.

Too many people come out of a gait analysis with a special snowflake prescription they wear as an identity forever.

There is a ton of value in the intelligence gained, but that intel should be used to fix yourself.

If you learn that you’re an overpronating, arch collapsing, hip dominant runner, go ahead and get the stability/motion control shoe they recommend. But understand you are running wrong and that shoe is a crutch and your form is wrong. Start fixing the issues causing the bad mechanics.

Then get another fitting as you improve your form and fix issues (like tight hips, weak feet, weak hamstrings.)

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Research has shown that using a running shoe that you personally feel comfortable in is more important than having someone analyze your gait and recommend a shoe based on over/under pronation. If you are a running enthusiast and insist on having your form checked and purchase shoes based on it. I would highly recommend go see someone who can perform a true gait analysis on you, not just an employ at a retail store

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This. The whole “getting fitted” thing at a shoe store is to see if you should buy stability shoes or neutral shoes.

Stability shoes are typically firm, heavy and have some type of guidance mechanism.

The general thought these days is that neutral shoes are fine for everyone, and the stability features aren’t necessary.

Found out my chord going around me heel is outrageously tight, puts too much strain on my achiles and lower calf, feels like a reverse shin splint, even with custom inserts.

I double stack the basic heel inserts under my customs to keep it raised and prevent my foot from going flat.