The Anatomy Of A Running Shoe

Recent developments in design and science mean that many running shoes have more technology built into them than ever. With advanced computer modeling software, manufacturers can now develop footwear that work exactly in line with how humans run.

UK-based 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 giants in the sporting footwear market were actually founded by brothers. Adi Dassler created the company Adidas, while his brother Rudolph formed Puma. Established in 1925, Adidas also included shoes with spikes to help runners, this time offering a selection of varying styles for runners of different distance.

A great deal of research was performed in the early part of the 1970's to see exactly how humans run. Research that nowadays, thanks to computer software, is much easier than it was then.

The research focused on the harm caused to the body, especially the knee and thigh joints as a result of prolonged running on different surfaces.

The results of the study revealed three main methods of running; Neutral, Pronation and Supenation.

Neutral running is where the runners foot lands flat on the ground and doesn't roll either inwards or outwards, but the foot travels in a straight line. This method of running is often the best for endurance running.

Pronation - This style of running is where the foot rolls inwards as it lands on 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 style is opposite of Pronation - In this case, the foot rolls outwards. Excessive supenation can cause ankle sprains and shin splints.

There are now various versions of running shoes developed to cope with whatever style of running you have. Many shoes use varying density of foam in parts of the sole to offer firmer and extra cushioning where needed to minimise damage caused to your body by excessive running.

Other advances in running footwear technology include the Air Sole from Nike which was created in 1972. The inventor put rubber into his waffle machine and stuck the resulting 'waffle sole' onto a regular pair of running shoes. The runners who tried the new invention raved about it, and the lightweight sole went on to revolutionise the market in running shoes.

More recently, brands including Skechers have entered the running footwear market. Their 'Skechers Resistance Runner' technology is designed to mimic running in soft sand. The sole softens the impact on the feet in every step, which is degined to provide a much smoother and faster run.

With continuing advances in composite materials and computer modelling, it seems that running shoe technology will continue to advance further still.

Carl Fraser is Managing Director of Totally Commerce Ltd, owners of http://www.TotallyShoes.co.uk - Retailers of leading brand footwear in the UK.

Totally Commerce Ltd also operate several other websites in different business areas.