'1' could be the answer to tough Comrades Marathon

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16 June 2004 News

For those who found this year’s Comrades Marathon really tough and hard, Adidas may have an answer to your prayers with its new invention, which it calls the most advanced shoe ever'.

Simply called '1', the new running shoe provides intelligent cushioning by automatically and continuously adjusting itself. Using a sensor and a magnet, it automatically measures the cushioning level, determines whether the cushioning is too soft or too hard via a small computer, and then adapts with a motor to provide the correct cushioning throughout the run.

Called ‘1’, Adidas’ new shoe provides intelligent cushioning by automatically and continuously adjusting itself

According to Adidas, it works like a human reflex nerve. The nerve is a magnetic sensing system, where the sensor sits just below the runner's heel and the magnet is placed at the bottom of the midsole. On each impact, this sensor measures the distance from top to bottom of the midsole (accurate to 0,1 mm) gauging the compression and therefore the amount of cushioning being used. About 1000 readings per second are taken. Underneath the arch is a microprocessor, and software written specifically for the shoe compares the compression readings to a preset zone and calculates whether too soft or too firm.

Underneath the arch is a microprocessor capable of making five million calculations per second

A motor-driven cable system is the shoe's muscle. Housed in the midfoot, the motor adapts by turning a screw, which lengthens or shortens a cable, adjusting the compression of a plastic cushioning element. Adidas says the changes are gradual and happen automatically, so all the runner notices is that the shoes feel 'right' during an entire run.

The shoes use a small replaceable battery that lasts for 100 hours of running (the normal life of a shoe). Adidas said it will be available in exclusive distribution in December 2004, and will retail around $300 and 250 Euros, which should be just the perfect timing to prepare for the 2005 Comrades 'down run'.

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'1' could be the answer to tough Comrades Marathon

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