Science ProjectRunning and Running Shoes

Micah Hinson

Question

How can an athlete improve their technique by letting science work for them instead of against them?

How do a runner’s shoe and friction affect a run?

(Newton’s 3rd Law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.)

(Newton’s 1st Law: An object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.)

Running

Means terrestrial motion allowing humans and animals to move rapidly

At one point in the circular motion, both feet are off the ground

Speeds range from a person’s jog to sprintKinetic and potential energy occur

simultaneously in stride

Footstrike

Occurs when foot makes contact with ground

Footstrikes: 1. Forefront

2. Midpoint 3. Heel Strike

Impacted Joints: 1. Hip 2. Knee 3. Ankle

Running Cycle

1. Footstrike2. Midstance3. Propulsion phase4. Swing Phase

Midstance

Knee flexion is under the trunk (bottom) and propulsion begins

Hip and knee extendPropulsion Continues until leg extends

backMaximum hip and knee extensionToe offResult: Body moves forward and initial

swing begins

*Propulsion means to push forward

Propulsion Phrase

Involves beginnings at midstance until toe off

Bodies store energy to propel forwardBig hip extensionWhere we get the biggest pay out in

running

Swing Phase

The start of the limbs returnKnee bends slightly as it swings to other

part of bodyOne side is toe off/propulsion other side is

swing/recovery

Newton’s Laws in Running

Friction with running shoe: The grip of a runner’s shoe against the ground

Laws: As the runner’s foot and shoe hit the ground, the grip from the shoe to the ground and the force of the body going back, propel the runner forward. Without the grip from the shoe, the runner would slip and slide all over the place.

Shoes I Researched

Brooks AsicsNew Balance

Saucony

Results

After Research I found:1. Trail running shoes have a better grip to

ground surfaces2. Different styled shoes serve different

purposes3. New Balance would be the ideal shoe to

buy in matters of friction or grip to the ground

Connection to Engineering

Different shoes have different styles and traits that make them unique. Engineers need to consider:

Gender, males and females have different bodies and running styles/traits/habits

The purpose of the shoe, trail running, heel support, comfort etc…

The shoe must be designed to withstand the force or impact of the runner

Finally the fit to a person’s foot

Answer

1. Science can work for a runner in their shoes if they find a shoe that can take their force or impact.

2. Also, if the runner doesn’t have enough friction or grip to the ground with their shoes, the are more susceptible to falling or tripping.

Works Cited

"Mizuno Introduces Gender Engineering Technology in Running Shoes." Mizuno Introduces Gender Engineering Technology in Running Shoes. N.p., 19 Jan. 2009. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. <http://www.sfia.org/press/117_Mizuno-Introduces-Gender-Engineering-Technology-in-Running-Shoes>.

"Running." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 03 May 2014. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running>.