What is Shoefitting ?

A broad and complex approach

Shoefitting might seem simpler to implement than Bootfitting, but that is far from the truth. On the contrary, it is a broad and complex approach, involving many precise elements and parameters that must be connected.

Shoefitting is the art of analyzing a foot, a stride, and a body type to find the most suitable shoe. It means knowing how to ask the right questions to understand the specific needs of the outdoor athlete—whether regarding volume, eversion angle, grip, or even lacing techniques.

Des solutions dédiées pour la pratique des sports Outdoors

Solutions designed for outdoor sports

Outdoor sports, especially running or trail running, can be tough on the body and feet. Pathologies are numerous, and practitioners need to be guided by specialists who can quickly find solutions to their issues or allow them to start a sport with peace of mind.

That is precisely why the Sidas Academy's mission is to train Shoefitters and sustain this profession that is as exciting as it is complex. It is its duty to do everything possible so that every customer and every athlete—from beginner to expert—can be guided and equipped with tailored solutions.

The Foot: A Link to Sports

“The feet. That’s where everything begins. The point of contact with the ground. The point of contact with passion. That’s why we need to pamper them. That’s why their comfort is absolutely essential. To a runner, they are what an instrument is to a musician. To me, they remember every single kilometer I’ve run up until this very moment; they concentrate all that energy that I will then have to release through my stride. Yes, my feet are my strength. And the strength of every runner...”

— Hassan Chahdi, French Marathoner (2h07’30)

Discover the shoefitting training courses available in your country

Why choose a Shoefitting training course?

In-person or online
Tailored to your level
Training led by professionals
Learn a method
Use the right tools
Know how to advise and help

What is Shoefitting?

Shoefitting is the equivalent of Bootfitting for activities using flexible footwear: running, trail running, hiking, outdoor activities, etc. It combines foot and gait analysis, an understanding of the athlete’s biomechanics, and the selection of comfort solutions suited to their activity.

What criteria are analyzed in shoefitting?

The assessment is carried out in two steps:

Analysis of the customer’s needs, including the type of activity, goals, possible injuries, and the runner’s experience.
Analysis of the foot, including morphology, gait, volume, support points, and runner profile.

These two steps are essential to understanding the customer and offering the most suitable solutions.

Can shoefitting improve comfort and performance?

Yes. A properly chosen shoe improves comfort, reduces friction, and can contribute to better running or walking efficiency. The analysis helps find the most suitable solution for the athlete.

Who is shoefitting for?

Shoefitting is for runners, trail runners, hikers, and more broadly, for all outdoor athletes who want shoes that are suited to their foot shape, volume, and activity. It helps prevent pain, pressure points, and poor footwear choices.

Why take a shoefitting training course?

Taking a shoefitting training course helps you learn how to analyze the foot, gait, shoe types, and the athlete’s needs in order to give better advice in-store. It helps you recommend more suitable shoes, improve customer comfort, and strengthen the seller’s expertise.