Anatomy Of Modern Athletic Footwear: Part 2
In part two, we make sure you have your last terminology correct!
Last Versus Lasting
There is often confusion between these terms, and the nomenclature is important, since the last refers to the 3D model from which the shoe is built, whilst the term lasting refers to the process by which the upper is drawn tight around the last and fixed in place to the insole.
Read articleAnatomy of Modern Athletic Footwear: part 1
So.. you thought you knew all about sports shoes huh? Test your knowledge by reading on my friends...!
In most ways athletic footwear differs very little from day to day footwear. The three essential components of athletic shoes are;
Read articleStraight versus curved last: what's it all about?
The following discussion was prompted by something I read in Adam's excellent review of the Brook Dyad 7. He talks about a 'straight lasted shoe', and being the argumentative character I am, I thought maybe I would put the record 'straight' on this contentious issue!
In the biomechanics and sports medicine communities, there is much dialogue over the merits or otherwise of straight last shoes versus curved last shoes.
Read articleIs weight the most important feature of a running shoe..
Or maybe it is the stiffness? In terms of energetics, or the metabolic cost of wearing the shoe if you like, this is a fascinating question.
This issue was highlighted recently by Dr. Simon Spooner over at Podiatry Arena (post #12), and it got me thinking. Simon argued his case by referencing two papers:
Read articleChildren's footwear: what do we know and what should we recommend?
Member Eric Johnson from Ultramax asked me to post on children's footwear. It's a great topic, so let's have a look at what we know and where the research is currently pointing us..children are NOT little adults!
The foot plays one of the most fundamental roles in the chain of motion in the human body. In total, 26 bones and associated muscles ensure the foot's static and dynamic function and contribute to the overall shape of the foot. However, the human foot shows biological variations in its morphology, structure and function.
Read articleThe definitive history of footwear past present and future. Part 3
The present: 2009 to 2013
In Part 2 of this series we took a trip down memory lane and looked at some of the shoes that defined running historically.
Read articleThe definitive history of footwear past present and future. Part 2
Following on from Part 1 of our series on the history of running footwear, Part 2 starts with one of the most vibrant periods in running shoe development history, and we start with a very famous shoe, the Onitsuka Tiger Marathon Fukaoka.
Before discussing the shoe, let's talk briefly about the company Onitsuka Tiger, because their history is fascinating, and became intimately entwined with the largest and most famous footwear brand of them all... Nike.
Read articleThe definitive history of footwear past present and future. Part 1
There has been so much activity in the field of athletic footwear, and running footwear in particular, over the past 5 years, I feel compelled to write a summary of where we are at, and give an overview of the science behind some of the issues at hand.
In my mind, there is no doubt running shoe design 5 or 6 years ago was in the doldrums, that lovely ancient word describing a ship caught on a windlass ocean, unable to move forward. Ultimately, the doldrums drove everyone crazy, and maybe that is what has happened!
Read articleadidas BOOST
adidas realeased its new BOOST technology overnight.
For a look at their new promo video, click here
not sure if it is a shoe or a UFO!!
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