A new wearable tech offering – mymo – is designed to help runners find the right type of shoes. The device measures a runner’s gait and uses an algorithm to match their running style to the latest shoes on the market.
The idea was created by North East England based runner, Craig Downs, who said he became increasingly frustrated after getting injured because he was sold the wrong type of shoes for his training.
He said “I visited my local running store and spoke to a salesperson but the shoes they recommended were not right and I ended up getting injured. While I was out injured, I thought there must a something on the market that you can buy personally that will help runners like me to find the right shoes, and there wasn’t.
“The running shoe market is extremely complex and confusing with manufacturers constantly bringing out new models and technologies.
“To buy the right type of shoes, you need to understand your running gait, but why do you have to go into a running store or clinic to do this? Not only is it inconvenient, particularly now during lockdown and with social distancing measures in place, but more people are shopping online – so mymo is a solution to all of this.”
The mymo device has an RRP of £59.99. Worn with an accompanying sock, the device gives runners quick and instant access to real-time gait data. It aims to replace traditional in-store gait assessments.
The team at mymo, based at The Hub in Washington, Tyne & Wear, has collaborated with Northumbria University to develop, test and implement the algorithm. The purpose of mymo is to guide runners to buying the correct type of shoes. It is aimed at runners of all abilities.
Craig Downs continued “As part of our research and development, we tested mymo with over 400 runners of all abilities.
“We wanted to develop an innovative solution that not only helps runners, but is consistently accurate, independent and impartial – we are not commission-driven to push particular brands/shoes, and customers are free to choose which shoes they want to buy and where to buy them from.”
The mymo sensor measures a runner’s gait and recommends shoes based on their most recent gait test. Users can then filter a pre-selected database of road running shoes by price, brand, model, fit, weight, colour and heel drop. The team are also in the process of uploading trail shoes onto the product database.
In addition to the gait assessment product, also built into the mymo app is mymo plus. The provides runners with running and training content including, physio-led strength & core sessions, weekly Pilates classes specifically for runners and access to injury prevention videos.
There is also optional access to a sports therapist and personal coach who can provide personalised training plans to help runners achieve their desired goals and PBs.
