Active shoesPrint

Active shoes - the clever way to more fitness

It's important to exercise regularly with the right level of intensity! Exercise enriches the blood with oxygen, builds up muscles, breaks down fat cells, stimulates endorphins and pushes the immune system. But even those who are less inclined to exercise or do sports can still do a lot to improve their health, by using active shoes. They support the natural gait and even have a great training effect. How does that work?

Training effect through material and shape

Active shoes have to fulfil a number of highly specific prerequisites if they are to function properly. The shoe sole, is angled in the forefoot and heel area, works in combination with material and shape to warrant what biomechanical research calls muscle-activating shock absorption, with measurable activation of the muscles in the feet and calves while standing and walking. The design provides natural support for the arch of the foot, with the sensomotor effect promoting an upright posture. Furthermore, the strain taken by the foot with every step is reduced while expanding the movement range of the ankles, which also has a positive effect on the muscles.

Needless to say that active shoes also require a suitable shock absorption system. After all, our feet spend more than one third of our life in shoes.

A clearly noticeable training effect is possible for example with all "Joya" shoes together with "chung shi AuBioRiG" or "Ganter Aktiv" and "Ganter shoes with 4-point sole". They perform the function of a muscle exerciser even when just standing. In Joya shoes, this effect comes from the choice of particularly soft sole material.

Stimulating the body's own training effects

Furthermore, active shoes should stimulate the proprioceptive capabilities of the feet. To explain: proprioceptors are special depth sensors in muscles, tendons and joints. They keep the brain constantly informed about the position, tension and movement of the individual body parts. Active shoes therefore have a positive impact on the legs and torso as well as just the feet. Experts refer to this as a kinematic chain.

Active shoes can only perform their function as particularly back-friendly shoes if they offer appropriate length and adequate width in the forefoot area. It is also important to keep the big toes straight. Active shoes should be made of top quality materials, such as vegetable-tanned leather or artificial leather or also permeable textiles. Adequate water vapour permeability is a further basic requirement.

Checklist

• The sole of the active shoe must be designed in such a way that the material and shape provide impact absorption and/or muscle-active cushioning support to relieve the heel and forefoot.
• The sole must be designed with a sensomotor effect to improve the posture of the whole body.
• The active shoe must support the whole sequence of movements involved in walking. There is much more bending of the ankle and knee joints which greatly enhances general body awareness.
• There must be measurably improved muscle activation when standing and when rolling the foot so that the arch is naturally supported while also enhancing posture coordination.
• Active shoes have a clearly noticeable training effect and act as muscle exercisers already while standing.
• The shoe must be long enough. Shoes are frequently bought too large if they are not wide enough. Shoes that are too long pose more risks, such as slipping, twisting the ankles and tripping, as well as problems with the skin.
• The shape of the shoe should reflect the natural shape of the foot. The shoe must not be too narrow or too big. This helps to prevent incorrect positioning of the feet and has a positive influence on the climate inside the shoe. It is thus also possible to avoid problems caused by poorly fitting shoes, such as pigeon toes, fallen arches, splayed feet or flat feet. It is important for the design of the shoe to be adapted to the foot and to provide relief and support.

Minimum requirements

• Top quality materials
• Different lengths with adequate width for the forefoot
• No restrictions on the natural shape of the foot
• Relief for heel and forefoot through muscle-active cushioning support
• Stimulated sensomotor effect when standing and walking
• Expanded movement range of the ankles while supporting the muscles
• Support for the arch of the foot with the insole
• Shape of the shoe based on naturally shaped lasts
• Positive influence on the way we roll our feet

Also appropriate

• Non-slip soles
• Ageing-resistant material for the soles
• Insoles can be used
• Available in different widths

Products in this sector with the AGR seal of approval

• AuBioRiG*
• Ganter AKTIV**
• Ganter shoes with 4-point sole**
• Ganter shoes with LIGHT-STRIDE-TECHNOLOGY**
• Joya shoes***
• CODICE by X-Sole****

Manufacturer

chung shi - ME & Friends AG*
Rudolf-Diesel-Ring 11
83607 Holzkirchen
GERMANY
Phone +49 8024/608980
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.chung-shi.com

GANTER Shoes GmbH**
Joseph-Lorenz-Straße 2
4775 Taufkirchen/Pram
AUSTRIA
Phone +43 7719/88 11 70 0
Fax +43 7719/88 11 79 5
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www.ganter-shoes.com

Joya Schuhe AG***
St. Gallerstr. 72
9325 Roggwil/TG
SWITZERLAND
Phone +41 71 454 79 99
Fax +41 71 454 79 99
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.joyashoes.swiss

Young Chang Eco Co. Ltd****
40, Nakdong-daero
901 Beon-gil, Busan
47030
Rep. of KOREA (South)
Phone: +82 5130177913
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.ycsole.com

Further information

• Give your shoes a day's rest after every day in use. This prolongs the service life and enhances shoe hygiene.
• Where possible, shoes should be tried on in the afternoon. 
• 3D test: the shoe should be assessed at the sole, toe position, instep and shoe quarter through to ankle and Achilles tendon support. The shoe may not be too tight or too loose and should convey a secure, stable feeling when walking.
• When trying the shoe on, an adequate distance must therefore be walked to assess the shoe.
• The focus is on foot health, not fashion! Your feet will be grateful!

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