Recent developments in science and design mean that many running shoes are more technical than ever. With advanced computer modeling software, creators can now develop shoes 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 late 1800’s they released a pair of shoes 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 biggest companies in the sporting footwear market were actually founded by brothers. Adi Dassler created Adidas, while his brother Rudolph formed Puma. Established in 1925, Adidas also featured spiked footwear to help runners, this time offering a selection of varying styles for runners of varying distance.
Extensive research was performed in the early 1970’s to see exactly how humans run. Research that in modern time, with the benefit of computer software, is much simpler than it was then.
