Nike goes barefoot- Is a "reflexology shoe" next?
Now, Nike Inc. is trying to sell runners on a new
shoe that mimics running barefoot on grass - a concept that runs counter to the
last three decades of shoe technology and is already prompting widespread debate
among runners. The philosophy behind the Free is that running barefoot
strengthens tiny muscles in the foot that typically atrophy inside more
protective running shoes.
Nike promotes
'barefoot' shoe
Free 5.0 may help strengthen tiny foot muscles
By Stephanie Kang
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
For years, running shoes have been designed to stabilize, cushion and otherwise pamper the foot. Now, Nike Inc. is trying to sell runners on a new shoe that mimics running barefoot on grass - a concept that runs counter to the last three decades of shoe technology and is already prompting widespread debate among runners.
The philosophy behind the Free is that running barefoot strengthens tiny muscles in the foot that typically atrophy inside more protective running shoes. The increased effort acts much the way a weight workout does for the biceps, say Nike designers, ultimately making feet stronger, faster and less prone to injury.
Comment
I think it is interesting that Nike is going this way. What is next- a "reflexology shoe" that not only strengthens the tiny muscles but works them like real terrain as well?
I predict the "smart shoe". There are also projects for the elderly to ramp up the proprioceptive signals from the bottom of the feet and also the ankle.
Are we seeing a whole new technology emerging? Will shoes "speak to us" to tell us when we are about to fall and to tune us in to our feet.
Research has shown we lose connectiveness to our feet as we age. It leads to catastrophic results. Maybe the tide is turning with us tuning into our feet.
Stay tuned.
All the best,
Kevin Kunz
Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips
Over 300,000 sold- 14 languages
Interactive Foot Chart- http://www.dk.com/reflexology
http://www.reflexology-research.com
Free 5.0 may help strengthen tiny foot muscles
By Stephanie Kang
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
For years, running shoes have been designed to stabilize, cushion and otherwise pamper the foot. Now, Nike Inc. is trying to sell runners on a new shoe that mimics running barefoot on grass - a concept that runs counter to the last three decades of shoe technology and is already prompting widespread debate among runners.
The philosophy behind the Free is that running barefoot strengthens tiny muscles in the foot that typically atrophy inside more protective running shoes. The increased effort acts much the way a weight workout does for the biceps, say Nike designers, ultimately making feet stronger, faster and less prone to injury.
Comment
I think it is interesting that Nike is going this way. What is next- a "reflexology shoe" that not only strengthens the tiny muscles but works them like real terrain as well?
I predict the "smart shoe". There are also projects for the elderly to ramp up the proprioceptive signals from the bottom of the feet and also the ankle.
Are we seeing a whole new technology emerging? Will shoes "speak to us" to tell us when we are about to fall and to tune us in to our feet.
Research has shown we lose connectiveness to our feet as we age. It leads to catastrophic results. Maybe the tide is turning with us tuning into our feet.
Stay tuned.
All the best,
Kevin Kunz
Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips
Over 300,000 sold- 14 languages
Interactive Foot Chart- http://www.dk.com/reflexology
http://www.reflexology-research.com
Posted: Wed - July 27, 2005 at 10:35 AM
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Published On: Sep 25, 2007 05:09 PM
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Published On: Sep 25, 2007 05:09 PM