Science Project
Running and Running Shoes
Micah Hinson

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.)
Question
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
sprint
 Kinetic and potential energy occur
simultaneously in stride

Running
Occurs when foot makes contact with
ground
 Footstrikes:

1. Forefront
2. Midpoint
3. Heel Strike

Impacted Joints:
1. Hip
2. Knee
3. Ankle
Footstrike
1.
2.
3.
4.
Footstrike
Midstance
Propulsion phase
Swing Phase
Running Cycle






Knee flexion is under the trunk (bottom)
and propulsion begins
Hip and knee extend
Propulsion Continues until leg extends
back
Maximum hip and knee extension
Toe off
Result: Body moves forward and initial
swing begins
Midstance
*Propulsion means to
push forward
Involves beginnings at midstance until toe
off
 Bodies store energy to propel forward
 Big hip extension
 Where we get the biggest pay out in
running

Propulsion Phrase
The start of the limbs return
 Knee bends slightly as it swings to other
part of body
 One side is toe off/propulsion other side is
swing/recovery

Swing Phase

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.
Newton’s Laws in Running
Brooks
New Balance
Asics
Saucony
Shoes I Researched
After Research I found:
1. Trail running shoes have a better grip to
ground surfaces
2. Different styled shoes serve different
purposes
3. New Balance would be the ideal shoe to
buy in matters of friction or grip to the
ground
Results
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
Connection to Engineering
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.
Answer
"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-IntroducesGender-Engineering-Technology-in-Running-Shoes>.
"Running." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 03 May 2014. Web. 05 Mar.
2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running>.
Works Cited