Feet-stiffening socks could help you run further for longer
The next leap in activewear technology may be socks that squeeze parts of our feet, increasing the efficiency of our gait
Socks with tight bands around the ball of the foot could potentially enhance walking and running performance, according to research conducted by Owen Beck and Hui Tang at the University of Texas at Austin. These socks, which stiffen the feet, have been shown to reduce energy expenditure by 2% compared to control socks, equivalent to the effect of losing 2 kilograms in body weight.
The researchers believe this reduction in energy expenditure could lead to improved marathon performance by 1 to 2 minutes. While the socks work by enabling slower and more economical foot movements, allowing the ankle and its muscles to push off with less activation, further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore their potential applications for individuals with weakened feet, such as the elderly.
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