Sneakers are perceived to have the darkest history in the footwear industry. Particularly because sneaker designs that were manufactured and invented many years ago have gained favour in the modern day, particularly the platform sneakers (Schiavone, 2014). With the modern day trends regarding sneakers, it is imperative to note that the manufacture of the differing sneaker designs is continually instigated each and every year. With this rate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to establish a design that will be launched subsequently. The aforementioned makes it even harder for one to establish the stance of sneaker products in the coming 20 years or so. Evidently, the sneaker designers are tirelessly working to ensure they design a sneaker that offers the athlete maximum comfort and durability in the aftermath. With the above said; is it possible to design a perfect athletic shoe? How far can a sneaker go in the future, what features could be added? This paper seeks to answer the questions aforementioned by essentially focussing on the current technology incorporated in sneaker designs and future perceptions regarding the same. In regards to the above, I will argue in favour of the notion that it is not possible to design a perfect athletic shoe.
Based on research findings, there is an alarming increase of injuries to those people who use sneakers. According to Dr Daniel Lieberman a biological doctor at Harvard University, who has been continually studying trends of injuries as it rates to the use of sneakers (McDougall, 2009). The growth of injuries is currently on the rise, a fact that led to the conclusion that: the increase in number of knee and foot injuries. Is evidently caused by sneaker designs that make our foot weak rather than protecting and providing comfort to the user. This in essence makes or feet over pronate making fostering knee and foot injuries (McDougall, 2009). Despite their profound marketing suggestions as it relates to the sneaker designs, Dr Daniel Lieberman argues that no sneaker designer has ever invented a shoe that help the user in preventing injuries that are inevitable in athletics. The notion above makes it certain that manufacturers in the modern day are motivated by the outcome they acquire from the shoes and not necessarily the quality of the product. The fact that the make suggestions that in it-self are not insightfully true, this attitude will in the aftermath prevent them from designing perfect sneaker designs.
The painful truth about sneaker designs is that; athlete who uses cheaper sneakers are less vulnerable to injuries compared to those that wear expensive sneakers (McDougall, 2009). Based on a follow-up studies that involved athletes that used cheap sneakers contrary to those that used expensive sneakers, the results retrieved were astonishing. The very fact that expensive sneakers are more advanced as compared to cheap sneakers make all perception of inventing a perfect sneaker even more complicated (McDougall, 2009). Despite the marketing suggestions that expensive sneakers have additional features that promote comfort subsequent to the perfect cushioning and its aptitude to correct pronation (Herr, et. al, 2011). It is painful to establish that the more money you spent, the more susceptible you are to pain and injuries. This research establishes that; it is hard to invent perfect sneaker designs. All conception accentuates that more advanced designs come along with its disadvantages.
Sneakers designers normally advise athletes to land on their heel, the science behind this explains how doing this prevent musculature (McDougall, 2009). Apparently, the notion above ascertains that comfort cannot be established by wearing a particular sneaker but rather adhering to a certain course of action. Without sticking to particular requirements, the use of sneakers will be unproductive in the long run. Considering that one has to foster and create his or her comfort subsequent to wearing the sneaker makes it harder for designers to make a perfect sneaker design.
According to an Irish physical therapist, Gerard Hartmann. Barefoot training is even more secure compared training with sneakers on. In support of his philosophy, Gerard Hartman argues that the beauty of the foot’s arch is the fact that it works perfectly under stress, owing the fact that it grows harder (McDougall, 2009). Insightfully, the harder you push your foot against the surface the tighter its parts mesh. The very fact that research encourages running barefoot during training eradicates the dire need of sneaker (Schiavone, 2014). The above establishes that perfect sneakers will be hard to invent in the long run. Apparently, the best level that can be attained by sneaker designer is the level where sneakers will prevent musculature and pronation. Otherwise, designs in the coming years are less likely to enhance sneaker designs past the current level of advancements.
In a nutshell, it is imperative to note that sneakers that have not yet been discovered will less likely bring the desired comfort and effectively prevent injuries athlete sustain during the course of action. The above is true subsequent to the fact that cheap sneakers have been established as effective in preventing injuries compared to expensive ones. Research shows an alarming increase of injures subsequent to the new designs (McDougall, 2009). Additionally, some therapist encourages the use of barefoot in training at the expense of sneakers.
References
Herr, C. M., Gu, N., Roudavsky, S., & Schnabel, M. A. (2011). The Role of Collective
Intelligence In Design.
McDougall, C. (2009, April 15). The painful truth about trainers: Are running shoes a waste
Of money?. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1170253/The-painful-truth-trainers-Are-expensive-running-shoes-waste-money.html
Schiavone, K. (2014 April 11). Sneakers Are Not Just For Casual Wear any more. Retrieved
