Physics of Running Shoes

there must be someone who knows something about this

what do you mean by "the physics" of running shoes? can you be more specific or use different words?

like how a running shoe protects your foot. what elements and materials are used and how are they put together in order to make a shoes. what types of things are done for over pronators,supinators, etc. why shoes wear out. stuff like that.

like how a running shoe protects your foot. what elements and materials are used and how are they put together in order to make a shoes. what types of things are done for over pronators,supinators, etc. why shoes wear out. stuff like that.

the answer is baked beans

thats not really a physics question

Go to any of the athletic shoe companies' web sites (Nike, Asics, Brooks, etc.). They have enough marketing crap in there to make you sound like an expert.

For the minimalists out there, maybe try to calculate how much you lose by having a high heel -- you can't push off as hard if your foot lands in a slightly flexed position. Start by imagining your shoe lands flat on the ground, and the power of each step is proportional to the angle through which your ankle rotates.

physics student wrote:

I'm doing an IRP for my physics class on the physics of running shoes, and we are supposed to research primary sources and experimentation our chosen subjects. Can anyone point me towards any good websites that have research regarding this topic?

Try a search on Web of Science. Websites are not a good source for primary sources.

If you really want to get into the research aspects with good, reputable sources, search pubmed.gov All the references on there are from respected scientific journals, which will hold more weight than something like a trade publication like Runner's World or a random website. Depends on how "scientific" it needs to be.

Did a similar project in the mid 80's...

Kind of generalized for the class and professor...Compare/Contrast of Asics gel, NIKE Air & Brooks' Kinetic Wedge.

Talked with Tom Brunick (Head product mgr at Brooks then), Jack Daniels (did physiological research on Air for NIKE when it was developed - got to read some "old" studies/reports), and for Asics I just spent time on the phone with coprporate office (back then you could ask shoe reps for info and also talk directly to the lab/office people).

Also, I had many talks with Mark Bossardet when he was the local Reebok tech rep...NIKE Ekin was helpful, but I knew more about running shoes at the time...

Bottom line...call Brunick, Bossardet, Daniels, etc...also talk directly with the companies...they will probably still send sample packages to study...they did back then...shoe cutouts, air bladders, midsoles, etc...