Athletic shoes

Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have less difference between the sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can be worn by either sex. Sport shoes primarily require responding to foot function than style. This means they need to cope with dimensional change of foot during critical contact phases with the ground and/or external forces as in contact sports. Comfort is considered crucial and this is often seen to equate with a tighter fitting shoe made of a soft upper adjusting to the changing foot anatomy. Propulsion is necessary and relies on static friction in the form of traction. Hence the basic anatomy of a sport shoe describes a soft upper combined with a sole tread appropriate to the ground surface. Shoes which enhance foot performance need to be durable and capable of absorbing tremendous sheer and stress. The heel and forefoot experience different loads and forces. Much use is made of ‘intelligent polymers such as elastic foams with good elastic memory. Viscos plastic in the heel absorbs impact forces and highly elasticated polymers in the forefoot area minimize the loss of energy transmitted to the shoes during the running movement. Scientists believe that energy return and cushioning are closely associated and hence much emphasis has been placed on developing dual density midsoles which are soft on the lateral side and hard on the inside of the foot in order to give stability when the foot rolls over. The outsoles of the shoe are made of different materials which are combined in a complex way to provide the physical response required in each part of the sole. The sole of an athletic shoe resembles a grid of squares to allow greater flexibility and most can be rolled from end to end into a coil.

Sport shoes should be able to accommodate the biomechanics of the event and individual. Despite of belonging to the same group, there are athletic shoes intended for special purposes. Sneakersor trainers also calledgym or tennis shoes are general purpose athletic shoes. They are usually made out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis. Basketball players wear over the ankle boots with protective padding. Boxers wear high-laced boots (12 holes) with soft leather uppers, thin flat soles and no heels. In running shoes additional emphasis is placed on cushioning. Track shoes are lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats. Cleat shoes, in their turn, feature molded or removable studs. They are usually worn while playing rugby or football. Shoes for bowling represent an intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as not to damage bowling alley floors. Golf shoes have "spikes" for better grip in grass and wet ground. Climbing shoes are designed for rock climbing. They typically have a close fit, little if any padding, and a smooth sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand. Shoes or boots for hiking usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra large traction on the sole. Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet while providing additional traction and protection.

3. Make up a plan of the text.

4. Translate the paragraph in italics in a written form.

5. Questions for discussion:

   1. What are the requirements for sport shoes?

   2. What materials are used for athletic shoes uppers?

   3. What is the reason for developing dual density midsoles?

   4. What is propulsion?

   5. How does the sole of an athletic shoe look like?

   6. What soling materials are used?

   7. What is the general athletic shoe name?

   8. How can you characterize climbing shoes?

   9. What shoes are characterized by stiff upper with many lace eyelets?

   10. Do you have any sport shoes? What sport shoes are they? Characterize them.

6. Render the text in brief in a written form.

TEXT C

1. Mind the following words and word-combinations:

   1. injury – ушкодження

   2. palliative – нерадикальний, паліативний

   3. surgical – хірургічний, операційний

   4. arch support – супінатор

   5. to eliminate – зменшувати

   6. ligament – зв’язка

   7. tendon – сухожилля

   8. detrimental – шкідливий

   9. insole – устілка

   10. semi-rigid – напівжорсткий

   11. plantar fascia – підошовний фасцит (мед.)

   12. fatigue – втома

   13. strain – напруження

2. Listen to the text ‘ARCH SUPPORTS IN ORTHOPEDIC FOOTWEAR’ and decide if the statements are true or false:

1. Arch supports cannot correct some anatomical abnormalities of a foot.

2. Orthopedic shoes increase foot and heel pain.

3. A way to fix the abnormalities is to restore it to its natural position.

4. Arch support with a profile was designed to re-position the bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons of the foot to their proper place.

5. Arch supports have a polypropylene shell that is flexible enough to provide comfort and rigid enough to support arches properly and restore foot structure to a natural position.

3. Listen to the text again and be ready to answer the questions:

1. What are arch supports intended for?

2. What is the construction of an arch support?