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University of Munich. He joined Ecco five years ago as product
manager, but has been head of its sports business unit since
October 2011. He explains the story and research behind
BIOM and the new developments.
The collection is based on research from the German
Sports University of Cologne, one of the leading centres of
research for biomechanics in running.
According to Alex Nicolai, the university’s Professor Gert-
Peter Brüggemann is a leading expert in the field of the
biomechanics of running and has published over 150
scientific papers in German, English, Japanese and Chinese.
He has worked for a long while on the topic of natural running
and the influence of shoes on human movement. According
to his findings the concept of natural motion should function
as a role model for future shoe constructions.
BIOM principles
Generally, running shoes provide cushioning and motion
control to support feet from falling inwards (pronation) or
outwards (supination). Ecco’s work on biomechanics with the
university team in Cologne began in 2006.
Using 3D motion analysis the scientists observed runners
three ways: barefoot, in their own used running shoes and in
the BIOM shoes after wearing them for five or six weeks.
Running in bare feet means that there is no heel strike. The
feet tend to hit the ground first at the toe area, and the strides
are shorter, with more flex on the knees. Since the knees flex
more, the shock is better cushioned than on a long stride with
a straight leg where the shock can go straight up the leg to the
hip or the spine for example. But running with no shoes can
be dangerous because of broken glass and uneven terrain
with sharp rocks and stones that can cut feet. It is not very
comfortable running barefoot in the middle of winter either.
Running in the BIOM shoes changes the running style back
to a more natural rhythm. Since there is more muscle control
of the foot joints the feet get stronger and gradually more
stable, reducing risk of pronation or movement at speed. The
BIOM also stretches the Achilles tendon more, as they tend to
have less heel pitch than normal running shoes. The scientists
reckon that this increased tension will lead to better push-off.
The idea is that it should also lead to reduced load on the
joints as steps are shorter. Normal jogging shoes have a wide
heel to hit the ground to cushion the foot. But that makes the
foot lazy. When the heel part that hits the ground is narrower, the
runner is forced to hit the ground with the centre of the heel so
the foot is actually more stable and there is less chance of
twisted ankles or Achilles injuries. The running style is straighter,
the feet are more in line with each other and don’t roll so much.
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BAREFOOT SHOES, DANISH STYLE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | www.footwearbiz.com
Ecco Trail shoes with Gore-Tex.