Velocy attempts to revolutionize shoe industry; embraces Forward Gravity
Posted January 24th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Amanda Black
Section: Gear & Apparel, Running Shoes
Traditional shoe technology focuses on the heel; a concept that has been widely accepted by manufacturers and athletes for more than 50 years. However, architect Daniel Talbott and his team at Oregon-based Velocy have decided to challenge this conventional wisdom with their innovative new line of running shoes.
After spending ten years researching human performance and identifying the factors that help propel the animal kingdoms fastest species, such as the cheetah and ostrich, Talbot invented Velocy’s patent pending “Forward Gravity” shoe technology. Velocy explains:
“Forward Gravity technology is engineered to place emphasis on the forefoot and in doing this, all weight is shifted forward and supported by your leg’s muscular ability during knee flexion. This is the human body’s natural way of absorbing shock.”
Velocy asserts that Forward Gravity will enable runners to run more efficiently and effectively. They also believe that Velocy shoes are capable of helping elite runners run times that are substantially faster than many, current world records.
They also claims that their shoes will help prevent a myriad of common running-related injuries (such as “Runner’s Knee” and plantar fasciitis); injuries that they beleive are often promoted by traditional heel-focused shoes. Talbott explains:
“Our shoes reduce the time-pressure factor that was spent on the heel, and by doing so, what happens is that [with our shoes] all of the vertical energy that is usually supported at the heel is being transferred forward. So the whole aspect of pronation … and problems like plantar fasciitis … [are] greatly reduced in our shoes because all of that energy is being transitioned into horizontal momentum.”
The shoe’s potential benefits come from their innovative new design. They are angled through a specially engineered chassis that runs from the mid-foot to the forefoot, so the front edge of the shoe is 1 ¾ inches from the ground. This chassis and the overall design of the shoe forces people to land on their forefoot and not their heel; resulting in a more bio-mechanically efficient stride.
Although major shoe retailers were initially reluctant to offer Velocy’s products, the increasing number of coaches who support the “Forward Gravity” hypothesis and a plethora of positive reviews from wear-testers have begun to change their opinions. That’s why Velocy shoes are now available at Finish Line and many specialty running stores. Fleet Feet will also begin carrying Velocy in the near future.
The Final Sprint also conducted a review of Velocy footwear. Wear-testers often reported that they initially felt a bit uncomfortable because they were used to the fit of traditional shoes. Others also believed that the shoes, which weigh 15 ounces, felt a bit heavy (an issue that Velocy tells us will corrected in their new models).
However, after about 50 miles of running our testers had consistently positive feedback; often reporting that they experienced significantly less joint pain in the 48-hours following a run with the Velocy shoes than they had historically felt with traditional, heel-technology shoes.
Velocy will also be releasing the Explode track spike (pictured), a women’s trainer and trail running models. Talbott also told our Editor that Velocy hopes to expand in the future and offer models for walkers and hikers.
Our initial impressions, and those we received from athletes, coaches and retailers around the country, seem to indicate that Velocy is on to something and we look forward to their future product releases and updates.
Have you given Velocy shoes a try or plan to in the future? Tell us what you think by sending an email to adam@thefinalsprint.com
For more information on Velocy and to locate stores in your area that carry Velocy, please go to: www.velocy.com
Make sure to also check back later this week for our Editor’s podcast interview with Velocy inventor Daniel Talbott.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: cheetah, daniel talbott, energy, finish line, fleet feet, foot, foot strike, footwear, forefoot, Forward Gravity, gear, gravity, heel, invent, inventor, momentum, move with gravity, ostrich, pronation, running shoes, running sneakers, shock, shoe review, shoes, sneakers, technology, velocy
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