The Running Shoes

We find ourselves in the midst of Olympic Games fever once again. Our top athletes are competing at the highest level and strive for top honours in their chosen fields. Most of the older will remember the rubber-soled plimsolls that were traditionally worn in PE lessons throughout most schools in Europe. These were available in any colour you liked as long as it was black or white.

These have been replaced by air cushioned, gel filled capsules with superior technical performance. They come in a variety of colours, shapes and forms and are purchased as much for their appearance as their performance. The ground-breaking manufacturing technique that allowed the development of the plimsoll was called vulcanisation, which is still used today. This process uses heat to meld rubber and cloth together. Sulphur is used during the process.

Plimsolls were revolutionary at the time as they provided comfort, were lightweight and allowed the user to move around silently. Plimsolls became known as sneakers and were sold on a mass scale in America as early as 1917. In the four years since the last Olympics in Athens technology has moved on somewhat and has definitely moved on since the plimsoll days.

Trainers and clothing has evolved to be lighter and stronger. But what part has technology had to play in enhancing the performance of our Olympians? Trainers and sport shoes have evolved, we have different shoes for each event and each pair of shoes is manufactured from a variety of number materials chosen because of their individual properties to put strength and flexibility where it is needed most.

Materials such as Kevlar which is ten times stronger than leather, leather or canvas which is both thin, stable and of a low density, foam blown polyurethane which gives a shoe extra cushioning and thermoplastic polyurethane which make a shoe both strong and pliable.

As technology has evolved scientists have developed new composite materials which work together to produce a better performance than that of the two or three separate materials. Differing materials offer different properties such as stability; offering resistance to twisting and warping. When weight is applied to a material over a period of time it will creep (flatten out and spread).

Some materials are used for their elastic properties, the ability to flex and bend when force is applied and then retain its original shape when the force is removed. Finally, some materials are chosen for their density which can be explained as the amount of matter in an object has per measurement of space, these materials are generally used for shock absorption.

Polyurethane is a unique material that offers the elasticity of rubber combined with the toughness and durability of metal. The flexible type of polyurethane is used to make upholstery, mattresses, earplugs, chemical-resistant coatings, specialty adhesives and sealants, and packaging.

It also comes to the rigid forms of insulation for buildings, water heaters, refrigerated transport, and commercial and residential refrigeration. It is used in the manufacture of sports shoes because of its lightweight shock absorption properties as well as being pliable as well as having great torsional and bending strength. Kevlar is one of the most important man-made organic fibres ever developed. The fibre possesses a remarkable combination of properties that has led to its use in a variety of commercial products since its invention in the 1970′s.

The fibres of Kevlar consist of long inter-connecting molecular chains produces from poly – paraphenylene terephthalamide. Kevlar offers high tensile strength with a low weight, structural rigidity, low electrical conductivity, high chemical resistance, low thermal shrinkage, excellent dimensional strength, high cut resistance, flame resistant and self extinguishing. Pretty versatile really!

Spiked running shoes have been around for over 100 years created by the British company Reebok in the 1890′s. The spiked shoe was developed out of necessity. The founder of the company enjoyed running and wanted to develop a shoe that would increase his speed.

In 1925 a company called Adi Dassler now known as Adidas created a range of shoes with hand-forged spikes. They offered a range of shoes for different distances. The company used the strongest and lightest materials available at the time to make the running shoes. Adi Dassler’s brother went on to found the Puma sports shoe company.

The involvement of science and technology in the 1970′s sports shoe manufacturers employed experts to conduct research into how humans run. They also investigated the shock effect to the body caused by the collision between the feet and the ground. Their finding helped to develop new, improved sports shoes.

Their research found three types of running styles:

Neutral:
This is where the heel of the runner makes contact with the ground and the foot travels in a straight line as it moves forward.

Pronation:
This where the heel hits the ground but this time the foot moves to the side as it travels forward. It refers to the inward roll of the foot.

Supenation:
This is where the heel hits the ground and the foot rolls outward. In modern times such materials as foam, silicon, air or gel have been added into trainers, these have been used to create cushioning systems in modern running shoes. In the 1970′s a plastic called ‘ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)’ was developed.

This material revolutionised the construction of sports shoes. It was made up of tiny air bubbles that provide cushioning and absorbs shock. This material is injection moulded into shapes, which serve as heel supports. Nike’s Air technology, which used a gas-filled bag of air inserted in the sole of the shoe to cushion the impact of running, first appeared in 1979. The pair of sneakers was named; Tailwind and these technologically advanced air-soles had provided a good foundation for which further Nike advancements are based on.

Since then, athletic shoes have become increasingly specialized and prices for various sneakers have grown in accordance to the advances in technology and its value-added features. Some shoes sold in the 1980′s even included a pump valve so you could inflate or deflate the heel on your shoe as if they were bicycle tyres

Following the introduction of Nike shoes, a technical breakthrough occurred in 1972 when Bill Bowerman, while studying the pattern on a waffle iron, came up with a great idea – waffle soles. Bowerman then cooked some rubber in his waffle iron and glued it to the bottom of a pair of shoes, which he later gave to athletes to test. The athletes came back with great reviews and the sneakers were well received in the market.

The patented outsole revolutionized running by offering better traction in a lighter-weight, more durable shoe.
In 2003 American spent on average 50 dollars on a pair of sports shoes. Companies sponsor most top athletes. This means that they are paid a fortune to wear the company’s products during a sporting competition.

The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world attracting worldwide television viewers. This offers an ideal opportunity for sports companies to get their products seen. As well as being finely honed athletes and sports people, athletes are now fantastic marketing tools for the sport shoe companies. Wouldn’t it be interesting if all the athletes in this year’s Olympics had to wear plimsolls, the only choice they could make would be the colour, black or white?
We’d see the real Olympic champions then.

thor: Harwood E Woodpecker

sports shoes

Runners get benefits from many different areas, the first is cardiovascular, the second is they are getting aerobic exercise and third is they are increasing endurance.
A good pair of running shoes can be an important investment that can vary in style and function. When deciding to buy shoes makes sure you are purchasing the shoes for the right activity. Running shoes are manufactured for specific activity. When shopping for running shoes you should not look at the fancy designs but the functionality and durability of the shoe. The best women’s running shoes are designed to give the feet control, stability and cushioning. Finding the perfect pair of running shoes is part science and part art, with a healthy dose of research thrown in. There are many different running shoes today; there are those that can be used on grass, mountain trails and on tar. The majorities of running shoes are development and produced so the shoes can be used on sidewalks or road surfaces because this is where many of the runners run today.

The shoe should have about a thumbs’ width of space more than the full size of the feet. The middle foot area should have a secure and comfortable resting place beneath it. Also, be sure to try on both shoes. On many people one foot is usually bigger than the other foot. Inside the shoe is a stiffened cup encasing the toes known as the box, or block? The place over the toe is called the vamp, the opening near the toes is called the throat of the shoe.

Shoes that are well made have the ability to provide a rubber sole that can give good traction while an athlete is in motion, this will reduce the chance of getting injured. Shoes with motion control are especially recommended for athletes’ with flat feet or over pronator. Give serious consideration to buying a motion control running shoe if you wear orthotics or have flat feet. A shoe with motion control is a good stable shoe to choose.

Just like many of the advanced technologies like ipods, cell phones the running shoe has technically evolved in the marketplace. Running shoes are very important for the runner, it helps with balance and the runner needs a great shoe to absorb the shock to the leg and the shoe needs to be strong to handle the impact when the runner is running. Running shoes are designed for sporting activities. Runners benefit from the combination of cardiovascular and aerobic activity. Buying a good pair of running shoes is very important, in general running shoes should be replaced every 3-4 months, the new running shoes come in many different styles. At the top of this list was clearly a high-quality pair of running shoes. The key components of a perfect pair of running shoes are cushioning, stability and durability. Most of the common injuries when shoes are not fit properly are pains in the knee, arch pain which is under your foot and a sharp pain the heel.

By: David Fishman

Nike Shoes

Did you ever wonder why there are so many types of running shoes and athletic footwear styles? The main reason is to avoid foot injuries by creating a shape and style of shoe that is appropriate for different sports and activities.

Athletic shoes are made into both standard and sometimes odd sizes for men, women, and children. These shoes are designed to help a person achieve top performance in basketball, football, baseball, golf, bowling or any other athletic or team sport. In addition, athletic shoes are created for running and walking as well. The type of sport shoe that a person needs will largely depends on the chosen sport, activity level and the preference of the person wearing the shoe.

When choosing an athletic shoe, consider how the shoe will be used. If you participate in casual sports activities such as volunteer church baseball leagues or neighborhood football matches, you will not need an expensive athletic shoe. However, if you play sports competitively, you might want to consider specially made athletic shoes. For instance, a person who takes running very seriously, is more likely to invest in a higher quality athletic shoe than the average runner. Higher quality shoes are often needed because they are required to spend several hours a day training to build speed, endurance, and strength as they compete. In order to for runners to do this they will need a shoe that will last. This is true for those who play other types of competitive sports, as well.

The choice of athletic shoe is also important for moving and protecting the foot while participating in sports. For example, in basketball or football, a person needs to think and act fast as they dribble, pass the ball or run down the field. Therefore, the person needs the appropriate shoe for optimum performance and safety. Basketball shoes often have a strong grip on the bottom that prevents an athlete from sliding. In both football and baseball, each player usually has shoes that have cleats on the bottom of the soles. This is to help the player grip the ground as they move quickly during play. Cleats are also important because players also have to play in varying outside weather conditions such as snow, rate, sleet, and extreme heat or cold. The right shoe is important because weather conditions can affect how well a player moves around the field, and the player’s ability to run without slipping and falling. The wrong shoe can cause falling and injury to players.

There are several companies that make high quality running and athletic shoes. Nike, Etonic, New Balance, Asics, Mulziny and Adidas are all popular shoe manufacturers. These shoes often come in a wide variety of styles and features. In addition, these athletic shoes often have shock absorbent soles for a softer impact when the runner’s foot hits the ground. Furthermore, good quality athletic shoes are often made in wide and narrow styles as well as arched, normal, or flat designs that help fit the overall shape of a person’s foot. Along with that, these shoes come in a variety of sizes so that everyone can find a pair that fits their foot well.

Sometimes a person can find a high quality athletic shoe from a manufacturer or retailer that does not advertise nationally. These types of shoes are often called “off brand” or “generic”. Many times, these shoes are just as durable and dependable as the regular name brand shoes, but often cost much less than name brand shoes. The fit of a shoe is usually a matter of personal preference, so before purchasing these off brand shoes, it is important to test them out for fit and feel.

Further information can be found online about generic or off brand shoes. However, it is important to remember that information about these shoes often comes directly from companies whom manufacturer and advertise their shoes. If in doubt about the quality of a generic shoe, it is sometimes not worth saving a few dollars. Buy the shoes from a brand that you know will not let you down, whether it is a nationally known brand of athletic shoe or not.

Athletic shoes can be purchased for both recreational or competitive activity needs either online, in a store, or by mail order. When purchasing shoes online or mail order, there is always the risk of the shoe not fitting right because each brand will fit a little differently. However, you can increase your chances of finding a fitting shoe if you know a little about the brand of shoe that you choose to purchase. Also, consider trying the shoe on at a store before buying online.

When purchasing a shoe in a store, there may be a smaller selection than what is available online. However, the advantage is buying a shoe that will fit properly. This goes for the fitting of athletic shoes as well. If you do a little online research on athletic shoes before shopping at a store, it is easier to make a better decision about the purchase of shoes. When researching shoes online, it is easier to compare shoe brands, prices and features.

By: Masni Rizal Mansor

athletic shoes

Running is a great way to keep fit and can be a lot of fun, too. It is very important to make sure you have the correct equipment before you start and one of the most important investments is a good pair of running shoes. They can improve your running gait and prevent injuries. There are thousands of different running shoes to choose from and most of the big sports manufacturers invest money into the science and technology of running shoes.

Running Shoe Components

A running shoe comprises an outsole, a midsole, an upper, a heel counter and a post or footbridge. Apart from that, running shoes vary enormously in design and color. A running shoe has to be flexible and durable, control motion and absorb shock. It is best to buy your shoes from a specialist running shop, or at least a sports shop, so you can get good advice from the sales staff. Try on shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly larger.

Each person has slightly different feet, so a great shoe for someone else might not necessarily be the best one for you. The shape of your feet, your weight, any foot problems, your running style and running surfaces (tarmac, sand, treadmill etc) and various other factors can affect which running shoe is going to suit you and your lifestyle the best.

Types of Running Shoes

You can divide your feet into one of three basic types – normal, flat or high arched. Have a look at your wet footprint on the bathmat when you get out of the bath. If you see a full imprint, this means you are flat footed. If there is an arch cutaway, your foot is normal. If there is a very narrow band or no band between the front and back of the foot, you have high arches. Foot type affects which sort of running shoes will be better for you. The normal foot tends to be the most biomechanically efficient and you will need shoes with moderate motion control. If you have high arches, avoid stability or motion control shoes, as these will limit foot mobility. If your feet are flat, high stability or motion control shoes with firm midsoles will reduce the amount your foot naturally rolls in and be more comfortable and better for you. Avoid highly curved or cushioned shoes if your feet are flat, as they will restrict stability.

When trying on running shoes, make sure they feel good as soon as you put them on. The average pair of running shoes should be able to run 1000 km so comfort is a must!

Free Running Shoe Guide

running shoes

When you were a kid you had at least two pair of shoes. One pair was your “good” one your mother referred to as your “dress shoes,” while the other pair was your “everyday” shoes, most probably of athletic nature.
These shoes, specially designed for sporting activities, were given the generic name “athletic shoes,” which is still considered a category that consists of running, basketball and tennis footwear. Originally introduced as part of the sporting apparel, athletic shoes are now worn as part of a casual look. Going for a walk, running across the shore, or playing outdoor games, are examples of the instances that people of all ages select to wear them. But how did all begin and why do more and more different types of athletic shoes being produced?

It is much more than the supply and demand curve, but it all comes down to that. Modern sneakers have beginnings in various sports shoes. One ancestor is the expensive British upper-class footwear of the late 1800s, used for lawn tennis, cricket, croquet, and at the beach. While at the turn of the twentieth century, football and baseball players wore essentially the same shoe type as before, the leather high-topped lace-ups with leather soles and cleats, the need to have footwear that provided a good grip onto the ground was the reason why a variety of lightweight shoes were introduced. Special shoes that would allow runners to move and lead to positive results, like increasing their speed and thus, their competitiveness, were ordered. Thus, as the need for greater speed increased, so did the athletic shoes’ number and styles. By refining and improving the shoes’ traction, sportswear companies created a subcategory in sports apparel; the shoemaking industry that is now worth billions. The sneakers’ demand emerged as athletes drew spectators to games and scientists invented new ways to accelerate human limits and improve athletes’ scores.

The dictionary defines the athletic shoe or sneaker as “a sports shoe usually made of canvas and having soft rubber soles; also called tennis shoe.” As today, uppers can be of leather, nylon, canvas, plastic, or combinations of these, and the shoe bottom surface has come to include any type of natural or synthetic rubber soles, tennis shoes are not equivalent to any other type of athletic shoe types. Sure, the term “tennis shoes” has become a generic term for athletic shoes, but this should not give the wrong impression to people that all sports shoes are the same or that one should wear them interchangeably regardless of the game/sport played. Running shoes on a tennis court, for example, are a sprained or broken ankle waiting to happen. Running shoes are built with a thick, soft heel to maximize cushioning for straight-forward, heel-to-toe foot impacts. Playing tennis is all about sudden starts and stops, as well as moving quickly from side to side. The trouble is that, during extreme stopping, cornering, and pivoting, if the sneaker’s outsole is too rigid, the tennis player loses contact with the playing surface, which results in a loss of footing. In addition, since runners do not usually move sharply sideways, while “on the run,” the running shoe sole is totally unsuitable for the sideways movements a tennis player makes.

From Keds, which were the first tennis shoes in 1917, to today’s extraordinary designs and expensive advertising budgets, shoemakers continue to design shoes with an eye towards accommodating various types and shapes of feet. When one adds to this equation, the trendy variety of styles, the outcome speaks for itself. There is always an option available for our feet will feel comfortable while playing a friendly match of tennis.

By: Jonathon Hardcastle

tennis shoes