Ditch shrink it and pink it' women's trainer design, say experts
Briefly

Ditch shrink it and pink it' women's trainer design, say experts
"Over the past five decades, brands have invested billions of dollars into the development trainers that prevent injury, maximise comfort and boost performance. But this research has overwhelmingly been designed for and tested on men, experts have said. Running shoes are typically designed using a three-dimensional foot-shaped mould called a last, which is usually based on male foot anatomy. Most sports footwear retailers use the same last for their entire range."
"Brands are therefore failing to differentiate women's distinct anatomical and biomechanical needs across the course of their lives, a small study published in the open access journal has concluded. Female- rather than male-based designs would probably boost women's comfort, enhance injury prevention and improve their performance, the experts said. For the study, researchers led by Simon Fraser University in Canada interviewed women in Vancouver to find out whether they faced any issues with footwear for their runs."
Over five decades, footwear research and trainer development has focused overwhelmingly on male anatomy and male test subjects, producing lasts based on male foot shape. Most retailers use the same last across entire ranges and make only size and color changes for women's models, a 'shrink it and pink it' approach. That practice fails to address distinct female anatomical and biomechanical needs across the life course. A small Vancouver study of 21 women aged 20–70, including recreational, competitive and pregnant runners, found primary shoe priorities were comfort, injury prevention and performance. Female-based designs would likely improve fit, comfort and reduce injury risk.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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