Not all runners run the same. The differences of running style is so enormous that they span from the way the arm moves to the stride of a runner. Just looking at one's pattern of stride shows the differing qualities of different runners. With every stride placed the distribution of pressure in the foot can alter from one runner to the next. Sometimes the body fails resulting in injuries like shin fractures, shin splints and Achilles tendinitis. In many cases the source of the problem may be the very shoe worn. As many differences as there are in running styles, there is not a proportional amount in running shoes. So why then do shoe companies (for the most part) like Nike AirMax, treat runners all the same? Specifically, airout will look at the foot plant of a sprinter and compare it to a distance runner. It is our belief that a sprinter will habitually run on her toes, where as a distance runner will run heel to toe. Whether a shoe is appropriate depends on the habitual running style of the runner.
Our purpose is to examine the kinematics to determine if the Nike AirMax is the appropriate shoe for two very different types of runners. The subjects used in this project are both outstanding members of the University of Michigan women's track and field team. Using videotaping and digitizing, we will analyze the kinematics of the lower extremity.