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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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[[File:Footpods.jpg|right|thumb|500px|A comparison of various Footpods, from left to right: [[MilestonePod]] V3, [[MilestonePod]] V3, Polar Stride Sensor (Bluetooth), Adidas MiCoach (Bluetooth), Garmin (Ant+), [[RunScribe]], i-gotU (Bluetooth).]]
A Footpod is a small device that measures pace and distance while running or walking. These Footpods contain accelerometers that calculate the movement of your foot, providing an accurate measurement across a broad range of paces and stride lengths. A Footpod does not simply measure each stride, which would be wildly inaccurate. If you have a [[Best Running Watch|Garmin Watch]] then a [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging/dp/B00264GKVQ Footpod] is an excellent upgrade. The [[Stryd]] footpod is different to other Footpods as it's so accurate it doesn't require calibration. (This page focuses on the traditional Footpods, though Stryd is far superior.)
=Accuracy=
Out of the box, a Footpod is typically accurate to 90+% and after calibration this typically improves to 98-99%. This compares well with the accuracy of GPS which is 97-98%. However, a Footpod only gives you this accuracy on smooth surfaces where your stride is reasonably predictable. You need to make sure the Footpod is well attached to your shoe; if it's bouncing about the accuracy will be poor. If you do trail running, I found the accuracy can be rather patchy. Of course if you're running a twisty trail with tree covered, you may find the accuracy of GPS dropping to 80-95%. I have found that a Footpod provides vastly more accurate information for your current pace compared with GPS. While the errors in the GPS signal even out over the course of a run, they can result in a current pace that is inaccurate by 1-2 minutes/mile.
