[pct-l] On the Dangers of the UL Mentality

[Sean 'Miner' Nordeen]

U.S. Army treadmill tests in 1969 found that an extra pound on the foot exacted the same energy output as an extra 3.5 to 5.25 pounds on the back. Similar tests published in "Ergonomics" in 1986 concluded that a pound on the foot equals 6.4 pounds on the back.

Now I've never actually looked for the original source material of the above claims, but it's considered common knowledge and everyone seems to accept it so I have.  Assuming its true, then there is a huge difference in wearing a 2lbs pair of shoes and a 5lb pair of boots.

Even ignoring the weight issue, I like hiking in shoes as as I get less blisters and my feet doesn't get as sweaty.  I've actually fallen and twisted my ankle more wearing boots (not the really tall ones); one of the reasons is I always seem to catch the upper metal lace hooks on one boot with the others boots laces.  After I switched to shoes, I also started to do my training on uneven surfaces inorder to strengthen my ankles which I'm sure is a factor in less injuries.  That said, boots do have their place and I still use them on occasion; but thats pretty rare today.

-Miner




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