How to Figure Your Stride Length

Walking is a complex movement that can be broken down into several phases. Heel strike occurs as the back of the foot lands on the ground. The rest of the foot then contacts the ground, and the ball of the foot pushes against the ground, propelling the body forward in the push-off phase of gait. The swing phase then occurs as the hip and knee flex to bring the leg forward into the next step. Step length is the distance between the place where one foot lands to the place where the opposite foot lands. Stride length is the distance between the place where one foot lands, then lands again with the next step. Stride length can be measured in a few steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby powder
  • Cookie sheet
  • Dark-colored butcher paper, 10 meters
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unroll the butcher paper on a flat, firm surface. Pour some powder into the cookie sheet. Remove your shoes and step with both feet into the powder.

    • 2

      Step onto the paper with one foot, then the other. Walk at your normal pace along the paper.

    • 3

      Find your left footprint along the paper. Place the tape measure at the heel of the print. Stretch the tape to the heel of the next left footprint. This number is a measurement of your stride length. You can also measure the right foot and compare the distance.