Running Shoes Technology
Recent developments in science and design mean that top of the range running shoes are more technical than ever before. With advanced computer modeling techniques, creators can now develop footwear that work exactly in line with how humans run.
The British company Reebok are credited with one of the first purpose-built sports shoes when, in the 1890's they invented a shoe designed for running that featured spikes. Something that had never been done before, the inventor, a keen runner himself, found that the spikes provided more grip on softer surfaces and helped him to run more fast than previously.
Two of the biggest companies in the sporting footwear industry were actually founded by brothers. Adi Dassler created Adidas, while his brother Rudolph formed Puma. Established in 1925, Adidas also included shoes with spikes to help runners, offering a selection of varying styles for runners of different distance.
A great deal of research was done in the early 1970's to determine exactly how humans run. Research that nowadays, with the benefit of computer software, is much easier than it was then.
The studies concentrated on the damage caused to the human body, especially the knee and thigh joints as a result of continued running on different surfaces.
The results revealed three main methods of running; Neutral, Pronation and Supenation.
The Natural running style means the runners foot lands flat on the ground and rolls neither inwards or outwards, but the foot travels in a straight line. This method of running is often the best for long range running.
Pronation - This is where the foot rolls inwards as it hits the ground, and moves to the side as it travels forwards. Common injuries caused by this type of running are Tarsel tunnel syndrome, shin splints and bunyons.
Supenation - The opposite of Pronation - this time, the foot rolls outwards. Excessive supenation can cause ankle sprains and shin splints.
There are now different versions of running shoes developed to cope with whatever style of running you have. Many shoes use varying density of foam in areas of the sole to offer firmer and extra cushioning where needed to minimise the damage caused to your body with excessive running.
Other developments in running footwear technology include the Nike Air Sole which was created in 1972. The inventor put rubber into his waffle machine and stuck the resulting 'waffle sole' onto a standard pair of running shoes. The runners who tried the new invention raved about it, and the lightweight sole went on to revolutionise the running shoe market.
In more recent times, brands such as Skechers have entered the running footwear arena. Their '
The British company Reebok are credited with one of the first purpose-built sports shoes when, in the 1890's they invented a shoe designed for running that featured spikes. Something that had never been done before, the inventor, a keen runner himself, found that the spikes provided more grip on softer surfaces and helped him to run more fast than previously.
Two of the biggest companies in the sporting footwear industry were actually founded by brothers. Adi Dassler created Adidas, while his brother Rudolph formed Puma. Established in 1925, Adidas also included shoes with spikes to help runners, offering a selection of varying styles for runners of different distance.
A great deal of research was done in the early 1970's to determine exactly how humans run. Research that nowadays, with the benefit of computer software, is much easier than it was then.
The studies concentrated on the damage caused to the human body, especially the knee and thigh joints as a result of continued running on different surfaces.
The results revealed three main methods of running; Neutral, Pronation and Supenation.
The Natural running style means the runners foot lands flat on the ground and rolls neither inwards or outwards, but the foot travels in a straight line. This method of running is often the best for long range running.
Pronation - This is where the foot rolls inwards as it hits the ground, and moves to the side as it travels forwards. Common injuries caused by this type of running are Tarsel tunnel syndrome, shin splints and bunyons.
Supenation - The opposite of Pronation - this time, the foot rolls outwards. Excessive supenation can cause ankle sprains and shin splints.
There are now different versions of running shoes developed to cope with whatever style of running you have. Many shoes use varying density of foam in areas of the sole to offer firmer and extra cushioning where needed to minimise the damage caused to your body with excessive running.
Other developments in running footwear technology include the Nike Air Sole which was created in 1972. The inventor put rubber into his waffle machine and stuck the resulting 'waffle sole' onto a standard pair of running shoes. The runners who tried the new invention raved about it, and the lightweight sole went on to revolutionise the running shoe market.
In more recent times, brands such as Skechers have entered the running footwear arena. Their '
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