ššāāļø Ground or Aerial: Discover Your Motor Preference and Boost Your Running Performance
- Stridematch Lab
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Most runners hear about cadence, midfoot strike or minimalist shoes. But the real lever for performance and injury prevention often lies elsewhere: your motor preference. Understanding whether you are a ground or aerial runnerĀ can transform your training and shoe choices.
āØ What is a motor preference in running?
Your motor preference is how your body naturally absorbs and returns energy while running. Two main profiles exist:
ā¢ āļø Aerial runners, landing more on the forefoot or midfoot, with more vertical rebound.
ā¢ š± Ground runners, landing more on the heel, staying close to the ground and moving forward more horizontally.
This motor signature is largely innate and stable over time. Trying to force a different style can increase tension and injury risk.
š Why identifying your profile matters
Knowing your profile allows you to pick the right shoes and tailor your training.
ā¢ āļø Aerial runners often benefit from lightweight, low-drop and more responsive shoes.
ā¢ š± Ground runners often need extra cushioning at the heel and a higher drop to reduce impacts.
This individualized approach improves comfort, boosts performance and lowers injury risks linked to poor equipment choices.
š How to find out if you are ground or aerial
There are several ways:
ā¢ š„ Video observation of your stride.
ā¢ š¦¶ Simple posture and foot pressure tests.
ā¢ šØāāļø Assessment by a biomechanics or podiatry professional.
ā¢ š² Digital tools that measure forces and footstrike data.
Identifying your profile is the first step toward a more effective and safer running routine.
š¤ StrideMatch: AI to unlock your running style
StrideMatchĀ is building an innovative technology combining biomechanics analysisĀ and artificial intelligenceĀ to automatically detect your motor preference. Our app (coming soon) will:
ā¢ š Identify your ground or aerial profile based on real running data.
ā¢ š Provide personalized recommendations for shoes and gear adapted to your natural style.
ā¢ š”ļø Track your stride evolution and help prevent injuries.
Our mission: help you run better, longer and happierĀ by respecting your uniqueness.
Your motor preferences are unique. With StrideMatch you will soon discover your profile and receive personalized recommendations for your stride and running shoes. Sign up nowĀ to be notified of our launch and get early access to our solution.
