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

About the Author:

Buying a good running shoe is not as easy as it once was. I can remember when I was a teenager thirty years ago that you only had a couple of choices when it came to running shoes, tennis shoes, or basketball shoes. Now, like everything else in our world we are inundated with choices.

Some of the features included in today's high tech running shoes include motion control: for runners with low arches, moderate to severe over pronators with maximum rear foot control and extra support on the arch side of the shoe, for example bigger runners like myself. Running shoes with extra stability for mild or moderate over pronators, low to normal arches, shoes have a combination of good support and mid sole cushioning. Neutral cushioned running shoes with maximum mid sole cushioning and minimum medial support for bio mechanically efficient runners, mid foot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches, and Performance Training running shoes: for racing, which are generally lighter, if you are bio mechanically efficient you can use them for training

So now that you have an idea of your choices, how do you find the right shoe at the right price? According to insiders in the shoe industry, a new product sells at a premium while older models are sold off through various channels at substantial discounts. Therefore you could hope for discounts on new items from 10% to probably a maximum of 20% and all the way up to 40% or more on older year models.

Though I loathe the idea of trudging through the mall to look for anything, sometimes it may be worthwhile for you to do a little homework and try shoes on there to be sure they fir then go online to see what kind of deals you can find on the style and size that you found that works for you. I know you are thinking that is taking advantage of the salespeople at the shoe stores and keeping them from getting a commission, but where should your loyalty lie, with your feet and your own pocket or should you be loyal to someone you don't even know?

As a fulltime internet marketer, I live on the internet and I can tell you that there is no shortage of choices on anything and everything you could possibly want online. So my advice is, try them on locally then find them in your size and get your best deal online.



By: Gregg Hall

About the Author:

There is no doubt about it, with the amazing variety and the availability of current running shoes at the moment choosing the right running shoe (and if you don't know what you doing) can be a daunting task.

If all you are wishing to do is buy something trendy and that looks good then the problem isn't so great. However if you need the correct pair of shoes for serious sport then you have to view the whole process differently.

If you are buying shoes for serious purposes then there are certain basic criteria with which it will help if you knew about.

Firstly you have to understand that if you are road running then depending on how your foot strikes the ground this affects your susceptibility to injury. This also determines the shoe type that you should choose. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all. All sorts of different shoes are designed for specific foot strikes.

Having established therefeor that your foot strike is a central part of the right technique and to match it is essential that you get the right shoe. How do you match your foot strike to the right shoe?

Another important aspect of running shoes is understanding exactly what is shoe cushioning.

Lastly you have to decide do you need a performance shoe, racing shoes or a trail shoe and how you correctly match your body frame size in relation to shoe selection.

It's a bit more complicated than just getting big shoes for big feet.

Choosing properly running shoe shoes as they say, starts with a discussion of how your feet move when they are in contact with the ground or what is called the foot strike.

If you choose shoes that encourage your feet to maintain a neutral position from impact through to push off you are likely to increase the risk of running related injuries. It makes sense really to try and allow some sort of footwear that is going to hopefully mimic the natural movement offyour feet in relation to the ground.

Conversely if you happen to have shoes that allow your feet to roll excessively inwardly or outwardly then you are likely to increase the likelihood of injury. This last point is essential in fact it is very easy to keep shoes for longer than you actually should do, because you are fond of them. This is not meant in the sense of falling in love with them for the fact that shoes are old and comfortable and on the surface feel good.

If the side supports of the shoe are too loose and the heel too worn then the end product is that your foot is going to move within the shoe and you are going to injure yourself sooner rather than later.

As has been mentioned before, the goal and the target when you're choosing the correct running shoe for you is to find the right shoe that encourages your feet to maintain a neutral position throughout the entire cycle from touchdown to push off.



By: Scott James

About the Author:

Chocolate has long been a consideration as a gift-giving idea that is sure to bring a level of excitement to any recipient. Dark chocolate is now getting more of a focus as an option for such due to its healthy antioxidant factors. But is there a dark chocolate gifts idea that will not only please the palate but put one in a good mood, give more natural energy and satisfy cravings for sweets all at the same time?

Dr Paul Anderson over the years has developed non-drug and nutritional remedies for people suffering from chronic pain and depression. He has created a solution for people that not only need to curb their unhealthy cravings for sweets but also a sustained mood elevation as well. “It’s a dietary supplement. We’ve put amino acids, vitamins and minerals but we happen to put them into a chocolate and the reason we put them into a chocolate is chocolate potentiates or makes the nutrients work better.” The good doctor further states that “it really is about turning on that brain, elevating that mood”.

The mood improvement is not the short lived crash-and-burn type that is common to store bought varieties of chocolate. The energy effects of the new phenomenon have been shown to last from 4 to 6 hours. The nutrients put into the chocolate get into the brain and satisfy the desire for the feel-good, healthy brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters. The results lead to a reduction in cravings for the traditional type of chocolate that isn’t good for you.

Another benefit with this dark chocolate gifts idea for the lucky benefactor of your generosity is that each delectable piece is only 40 calories and very low in sugar. This, of course, means that one will not only benefit from a reduction in calories per serving but will also be less inclined to gorge themselves throughout the day because the brain has been satisfied. Their tastebuds will be in nirvana on top of that!

The name of this product is IsaDelight and Dr Anderson states that “anyone looking for better moods, more energy, looking to focus (and) be able to enjoy their days and be really happy it’s a great product to be using.” You can see and hear him talk about this dark chocolate gifts idea by clicking on (or cutting and pasting) http://www.isadelight.com/video6.html and pressing “Click to Play”. You will then be able to get more thoroughly familiar with IsaDelight which may be a household word in the near future due to its many beneficial qualities.

The IsaDelight product can be ordered by going to http://victory4u.isagenix.com/us/en/nutrition_isadelight.dhtml



By: Brian Connors

About the Author:

People were born with different physical characteristics in their bodies. With regards to feet considerations, you may be blessed (or cursed) to have a flat foot. In accordance with this aspect of biological uniqueness, the best running shoes for flat feet should be used for optimum comfort and convenience.

What is a flat foot?

Having a flat foot can sometimes be a frustration in searching for the appropriate accessory, like shoes. A flat foot is characterized by your foot print looking like a blob contoured in the general shape of a foot. You can easily check this using a footprint on a piece of paper. Also, physically, you may observe that there is almost no curve going inward from your toe to your heel. Another significant characteristic is that when you press firmly on any surface, your foot seems to spread out.

What shoes to use?

Shoes are generally created to provide protection to a person's feet. However, even though most of the commercially available shoes are using soft and shape shifting materials, a specific pair of shoes should be used for flat-footed people. Usually, when a person has flat feet, they are also considered to be an overpronator. It is a condition when the foot rolls inward while running. That is why the appropriate shoes should be used.

The most appropriate shoes for flat feet are the ones that are equipped with high stability properties as well as with motion control materials. Also, shoes with firm mid-soles are far the most efficient types. These factors reduce the capability of your flat foot to roll over in specific areas, thus making your walking or running more comfortable. You should avoid shoes that are highly curved in inward soles for these types may reduce your stability and compress your foot painfully.

Since running shoes were manufactured based on the activities of runners, they are equipped with padding and cushion materials for greater flexibility. You won't need shoes that have multiple layers of padding since this will apply pressure to your flat feet, thus making it very uncomfortable to use. You can just use running shoes that have at least a single layer of comfort pads but are not too curved.

There are some health problems that you may have if you do not use running shoes ideal for flat footed individuals. For example, if you tend to run long distances with an inappropriate shoe type, you may experience instability from the flat panels of your feet towards the upper portion of the legs. These conditions may cause knee and leg injuries while running. Also, your balance capability is compromised, leading to an uncontrollable body movement while in motion.

If you are going to purchase a pair of running shoes, you can search over the basic items sold in the market. But, you should always bear in mind that you might need to sacrifice style and brand in order to make sure that you have the best running shoes for flat feet. Although this may seem to be a little frustrating, you should always consider the health factor of using them. You may ask for assistance to get you the right model and brand of shoes for flat feet.



By: The Running Advisor

About the Author:

The one virtue that helps sites overcome the competition online is creativity. With so many competing, you must employ every method of marketing you can to stay ahead.

Do you have a killer product? A really cool website? If people don't know you are there, none of it matters and you won't make a dime. Worst of all, your business could die a slow, anonymous death.

There are a lot of methods used by e-commerce sites to advertise and drive traffic. Some of them will really give you a boost in the rankings. One of these methods is Viral Marketing.

While we normally think of the term 'viral' with 'virus' a term that all computer owners dread Viral Marketing isn't what it may appear. You're not using a virus to market your business; in reality, this is just a way to utilize the best aspects of word of mouth advertising. It is much more effective than pop up ads and spyware.

Viral Marketing Overview

Viral Marketing is also known as Viral Advertising. This is a technique of marketing that is very effective in building awareness for a company. By using media to reach out to the public, Viral Marketing uses entertaining or informational media to promote the product without directly using it. These media are forwarded from person to person, who then enjoy the entertainment, and have exposure to your website link and product line.

Briefly, the concept is that if people like the media content, they will continue to keep passing it on to friends and family. The company (you) sponsor a specific media like a funny video, a cool game or an amusing story. It is passed around along with your company logo or brand which may contain product descriptions or other material to promote your company or product.

This is a pretty low cost method of advertising that is extremely effective. It avoids being logged as spam mail because each email is sent individually by a friend of the person who receives it. The person who receives it won't block the email address of someone they know.

Some companies offer discounts, rebates and other incentives to help spread their viral marketing. Companies track the number of recipients that get the viral marketing from a single person to determine the incentive they earn.

Using Viral Marketing to your advantage

The big advantage to viral marketing is you get a lot of publicity and public awareness for your business. Your traffic will increase with potential customers. All it takes is a little creativity and maybe a few incentives to reach out to a large number of people in a very personal manner and introduce them to your existence.

Many sites are catching on to the effectiveness of viral marketing and advertising. Use it to keep your business healthy and growing. Along with search engine optimization and other methods, viral marketing can easily put you in the lead when it comes to rankings.

Some say viral marketing is a bit sneaky. Maybe. But it is nevertheless effective. People come across your media entertainment and pass them along to a friend, who passes it to another friend, and so on. This is a low cost method of advertising that can keep your bottom line healthy and happy. All it takes is a good idea, a gripping video or a fun game. Make a buzz about it create gossip it is an effective way to market movies. Remember "The Blair Witch Project"? Use the same method for your company.

Several large companies have successfully used viral marketing. An example is Microsoft's Hotmail. They were the first big company to use this marketing method and it worked wonderfully for them.

Let viral marketing work its magic for you. Act now and see where this unique method of marketing takes you and your sales.



By: Alvin Blacknall

About the Author:

I've been working for a software developer company for about 5 years. We regularly send the letters about new program releases and upgrades to our customers and different newsletters to those people who subscribed to our mailing list. For a company advertising their products on the Internet the most important thing is to get as many clients and subscribers as possible and build a strong relationship with already existing clients. Since the communication with the customers is done via email, the newsletter you send plays the essential role. The incontestable fact is that the newsletter must contain only the information that is useful for your customers. The customers are not interested in the history of your company or your company regalia, or your personal life. They want to read about the products you are to offer them and the benefit they can get from your products. The newsletter content is important. But the newsletter structure does matter too. For almost 5 years we've got some experience in creating a healthy and effective email newsletter and delivering it to the customers.

So, now I'd like to share some tips and tricks with you:

1. Subject line is more important than you may think. To get the recipient open the email, ask a question in the Subject line. This works perfectly. The curiosity pushes the recipient to go further and open your message. But be careful - no mockery, sneer, or offense in the question. Be honest and straightforward.

2. Write a letter but not an advertisement. Your email newsletter must look like a personal message addressed to a particular recipient. Email personalization is perfect.

3. Don't complicate the message format. A lot of graphics, complex tables, and other advanced formatting are not good. Your email newsletter may end up in the recipient's junk folder since it will look like a "pure email advertisement".

4. Don't be afraid to go long. A short email newsletter is no longer a rule. A longer copy that tells more about the product benefits story is doing better. But make sure that your long story is not boring. Emphasize the most important paragraphs with bullets so they grab the recipient's attention. Remember that people don't read emails, they scan them.

5. Place the links in the beginning, middle, and in the end of your email newsletter. The click-through responses generally come in this order: top, bottom, and middle of your email message. So, don't forget about the link in the middle. Your response rates will suffer.

6. Include a picture. A nice graphic (even if you tell about an intangible product) will tend to increase the response rate. For example, if you sell downloadable software, you can design a box with a nice cover presenting your software.

7. Link the images. If your email contains pictures and other graphics, be sure to hyperlink them. Many prospects will click on these to respond.

8. Use drop-text images. A drop-text is a text message that appears when your cursor hovers over an image. This is common on web pages. In email, this technique works like a picture caption or sidebar that displays as your prospect interacts.

9. Offers and bonuses work well. An offer of free shipping, a discount, an invitation, or a free gift is very effective in email marketing. But be careful - avoid the word FREE in your email message. FREE is the most attractive word in email marketing, it's also one of those that spam filters will likely detect to block your message.

10. Include your contact information. You can include your web site address, your email address, even the postal address of your company. A toll free number is also good. Some recipients may prefer to call and speak with a live person. A toll free number will often boost response.



By: Julia Gulevich

About the Author:

David Cummings asked:


Triple jogging strollers are as rare as triplets. It is difficult to maneuver a stroller that is three babies wide through some areas, but it can be done, and triple jogging strollers are made and made well by a few manufacturers. There are brands that allow you to carry your three babies sitting up or in a near-reclining position while jogging along. There are always safety straps in the triple jogging strollers for the safety of the babies and toddlers and the straps should always be used when in the jogging stroller.

If you have triplets, you understand busy and multifunctional. A triple jogging stroller can be used for many purposes, not just for jogging. This type of stroller tends to be big and wide and can comfortably hold three infants or infants and toddlers. While your children are still infants, triple jogging strollers can form a 'bassinet' style stroller; then, as the children grow, the seats can be configured for sitting up.

Triple jogging strollers are made of a durable rod construction and a covered in a tear-resistant woven material. The wheels are the double, ball-bearing style that turn easily and can handle trails as easily as they do pavement. There is plenty of room for the baby's items, such as diaper bags, bottles, toys and extra clothing. All this can be carried under the seats in the generously spacious attached basket.

The handle is usually a foam grip that is comfortable for long jogs and sweat resistant for a non-slip grip. And the sun hood covers are individual so that each child can be covered or allow the sun to shine down upon them independently of the others. Some manufacturers have made the triple jogging strollers so that they go from infant to toddler and grow with baby. The infants are all strapped into the 'buggy' style configuration of the jogging stroller and as they grow, the stroller can be adjusted to an upright, seated position for them to face forward and enjoy the view as mom or dad jogs along.

Even while carrying three children in them, triple jogging strollers with a light-weight design and durable construction can be relatively easy to stroll once moving. The large wheeled, thick air-filled rubber tires allow for greater maneuvering and a comfortable ride during both walks and jogs. The stroller itself is made of comfortable, breathable and washable fabric for easy clean ups. Many models offer cup holders for Mom or Dad's water. Some triple jogging strollers even offer "inside" pockets to store bottles or other necessity for your children.

Many of these strollers offer swiveling front wheels to make it easier to turn and maneuver the triple jogging stroller through doorways and store aisles. In addition, triple jogging strollers are easily folded up with the press of a petal and can be stored flat in a large trunk or hanging in the garage when not in use. Triple jogging strollers are a must-have for any parent who has triplets and want to take them along on their exercise routine or just for a stroll in the park.

Parents love the versatility of triple jogging strollers because they can take them almost anywhere and be confident and comfortable in their performance. If you have triplets or three small children close in age and size, triple jogging strollers can help you with your everyday parenting needs.

Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg

With the holidays fast approaching, many people are ramping up to prepare for decorating, celebrating, and, of course, gift giving. Those who are concerned about the environment have more options than ever this year to ensure that their gifts are not going to have long-lasting negative effects on the world.

Celebrating

1. Decorating

At this time of year, the decorating options abound. From plastic banners to plastic trees, it can be a real dilemma to be both festive and environmentally conscious. Luckily, some of the best decorations this time of year are natural, and you can find all kinds of wonderful, naturally-biodegradable options in your backyard and supermarket. Fruits like cranberries and oranges make a big statement when placed in large glass containers, and holly and evergreen boughs can be draped over almost everything to add color and fragrance to your home. The most important thing is to try and think about decorating from a natural standpoint so that when the holidays are over in your home they don't live on in your landfill.

2. Place Settings

It's true that disposable place settings make clean-up a breeze during the holidays, but plastic and Styrofoam plates, cutlery and cups end up clogging our landfills with materials that almost never decompose. Luckily, there are choices for the eco-friendly hostess. Look for recycled and/or biodegradable options instead. Products made from corn are durable and useful, but the break down in a landfill after a few months. By using these products instead of paper, plastics and Syrofoams means less energy is used to create them and there is almost no damage to the environment.

3. Food

When planning your menu choose organic and locally-grown foods, which require less of energy to get to your table and leave less of an impact on the Earth's resources. Foods certified USDA Organic are produced without the use of petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, they are based on meat not treated with antibiotics and growth hormones, both of which have been shown to pollute water sources like lakes, rivers and the ocean. Genetically modified organisms, which reduce biodiversity, are not used in Organic foods. Finally, Organic foods do not undergo irradiation to kill bacteria.

4. Drinks

At the very least, remember to have a recycling bin available at all of your holiday gatherings so that all those cans and bottles can be easily recycled by your guests. You may also want to seek out some great organic and natural choices when it comes to the drinks themselves. From sodas to wines, you can seek contents and packaging that are more environmentally friendly. For example, Whole Foods carries an organic wine packaged in Tetra Pak paper-based cartons.

Gift Giving

1. Intangible Gifts

Some of the most eco-conscious gifts are those that don't involve any wrapping paper. These gifts provide resources that last long after the holidays are over and are an excellent way to give someone something that does good for the world. Ideas include: donating time or money to a charity that means something to the recipient; buying carbon offsets on behalf of the recipient; planting a forest in the recipient's name; or sponsoring an endangered animal.

2. Educational Gifts

If you have people on your list who have expressed interest in being more green, but simply don't know where to begin, you can give them something that helps them become more aware of the Green movement. Almost all bookstores carry a broad array of choices, including books like "Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet." If the recipient enjoys cooking, you could try one of many organic food cook books, like "The Organic Cook's Bible," and if he enjoys gardening, "Organic Gardening for Dummies" might be a nice choice.

3. Traditional Gifts

You don't have to look far to get wonderful traditional gifts like toys, linens and clothing that don't negatively impact the environment. For example, you can find clothing made of organic cotton in many major retailers today. Bamboo towels, socks and bathrobes are amazingly silky-soft, and have antibacterial properties in addition to being environmentally sound. Wooden toys built from sustainable trees are also an excellent choice for children.

There are many healthy, green options available on the market for the holidays, so make the extra effort this year to pick products that will bring joy today without negatively impacting our tomorrows.



By: Virginia Ginsburg

About the Author:

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.



By: Harwood E Woodpecker

About the Author: