Concept for barefoot running shoe - What the finished product might look like for the barefoot running shoe I have been testing. The intent is to create a shoe which provides protection without disrupting the foot's natural mechanical and sensory function. To this end, the sole is constructed of a series of overlapping scales which slide over each other when the sole flexes. This gives the sole great flexibility and the ability of each scale to move independently allows the foot to detect highly localised changes in pressure.
Concept sole featuring overlapping scales
'Proprioceptive' sole utilising overlapping ovoid scales
Lower heel pressures than ASICS Kayano - This graph shows the lower heel pressures experienced by the wearer when running in the barefoot prototype as compared to the ASICS Kayano. Why is this? The Kayano forces the wearer to heel strike, disengaging the wearers natural shock absorbing mechanisms (arches, achilles, calf muscles). Restore a natural barefoot gait (midfoot strike) and you not only don't need all this cushioning, you actually experience decreased forces in the heel region where all the cushioning is located!
Nike Air Max resoled with something a little more scientifically sound...
Fish scale sole mounted on Reebok upper
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'Barefoot' running shoe