This Spring's New Sports Shoes - We Take the New ECCO's Through the Paces!
(HealthNewsDigest.com)- I love walking. It must have started in the Marine Corps where we practically made a hobby of it in boot camp (some would call it marching). Today, I walk two-miles every day, and 6 miles on Saturdays. From the upper east-side in Manhattan, New York City, to the very tip of the island where the Staten Island ferry is berthed. For the past two-weeks, I put the new ECCO walking shoes to the "Big Apple" test! Come along for the walk:(Michael J. McCurdy, Founder/Publisher - www.HealthNewsDigest.com)
Founded in Denmark, ECCO uses premium materials in construction of their shoes and their design philosophy is grounded in the belief that the foot should lead the shoe, not the other way around. ECCO’s performance shoes feature ECCO Receptor Technology throughout the line. Receptor Technology was developed on the principle that for every step an individual takes, their foot goes through a series of three motions – heel-strike, mid-stance and push-off. The Nirvana Santos, X-Treme Jane and Accomplish all feature full Receptor Technology and are perfect for enjoying a variety of outdoor activities in comfort and style.
On the first day with a pair of the ACCOMPLISH model on I walked my customary two-miles. The shoes felt stiff to me, which I considered to be absolutely normal. On day two, the shoes actually felt like they were molding to my feet in a strange but comfortable way. On day three, I went for a four-mile walk, and much to my surprise my feet, calf and thigh muscles felt realigned. I smiled, thinking to myself that this is either good or bad - but probably good. The next day we went for five-miles. I now know what they are talking about when they explain Heel-strike and Earth Sensing Technology.
Receptor Technology
Although ECCO uses the single term Receptor Technology, it is composed of a variety of individual technologies that, when put together in different ways, enable ECCO designers to customize the technologies for the purpose of each product. The Nirvana Santos, X-Treme Jane and Accomplish all feature the following Receptor Technologies that minimizes foot fatigue by providing the proper support through the heel strike, mid-stance and push-off.
Heel-Strike 20-Degree Angle of Attack: 20 degrees is the natural angle of the heel when the bare foot hits the ground. This technology replicates that motion. The 20-degree angle of attack allows the foot to naturally make contact with the ground, minimizing force and shock, allowing the foot to comfortably roll into the mid-stance.
Earth Sensing Unit: In addition to providing shock absorption, the Earth Sensing Unit enables the foot to better sense the ground to maintain stability.
Mid-Stance Exo-skeletal Wrap-around Shank: A stability-enhancing technology, the Exo-skeletal Wrap-around shank allows the foot’s great ligament to lock into place during the mid-stance phase.
Push-Off Dual Axis Flex System: Designed to make the push-off phase easier and more comfortable via the engineered flex forefoot channels, the Dual Axis Flex System replicates the natural flex patterns of the bare foot. Easier flexion is supplemented through utilizing less material in these areas and by engineering a midsole with identically placed anatomic dual axis flex zones.
Forefoot Propulsion Plate: A highly engineered polymer that is molded and integrated in the forefoot, the Forefoot Propulsion Plate is shaped like three fingers. Each finger is a different length because each performs a different function, providing additional torque or braking action depending on whether an ascending, descending or neutral plane is being encountered
Walking is a great exercise for conditioning, weight control and cardiovascular fitness. If you're an old-timer or just starting out, I would highly recommend you try a pair. Male/Female - many styles and colors. Great looking shoes for the beach/country and weekend strolling.
For further information on ECCO: http://www.eccousa.com/
By Michael J. McCurdy