What happened with running shoes in 70’s?
The running boom that started in the late 60’s and grew during the 70’s led to a massive increase in the number of people running. The demographics of who was a “runner” change substantially. It was estimated that 25 million Americans took up running during the seventies. Large increases in the number of runners was also seen in United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
Heel striking was very common as slower runners (the “joggers”) were more likely to heel strike which was considered at the time to lead to an increase in risk for injury. During the 70’s, the running shoe companies responded to this by adding more cushioning under heel. The relationship between foot strike patterns and injury turned out to be much more complex.
Books on Running Shoes:
Other Years in the History of Running Shoes:
Related Pages:
Running Shoes | Marketshare of Running Shoes | Running Shoe Anatomy and Terminology | Design Features in Running Shoes | How Often to Change or Replace Running Shoes | Manufacture of Running Shoes | Running Shoe Materials | Running Shoe Rotation | History of Podiatry | Footwear History | History of the Marathon
Book:
Sneaker Century: A History of Athletic Shoes
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