Step length is the forward distance between the initial contact of one foot and the next initial contact of the opposite foot. A left step length and a right step length together make one stride.
Step length differs from stride length: step length compares opposite feet, while stride length measures successive contacts of the same foot. The two step lengths may be similar, but they do not have to be equal.
Factors That Can Affect Step Length
- Walking or running speed
- Leg length and body proportions
- Balance and mobility
- Fatigue, pain, or movement strategy
- Surface, footwear, and task constraints
In video analysis, step length can be estimated when the camera view is calibrated against a known distance and the relevant foot-contact frames are identified. Consistent camera placement helps limit perspective-related measurement error.