A multidisciplinary team of researchers working at the cutting edge of Sports Technology, Additive Manufacturing, Industrial Design and Ergonomics is breaking new ground to develop high performance sports footwear, optimised for the individual athlete. The technologies being developed will contribute to the UK's medal winning prospects in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, with a longer-term goal of bringing personalised sports shoes to the high street.
This research has been funded with over £1m from Loughborough University's EPSRC funded Innovative Manufacturing and Construction Research Centre (IMCRC). The Centre is the largest of its kind in the UK and has funded over 100 engineering based research projects across a range of disciplines.
Achievements to date
Proof that optimised footwear enhances sprint performance.
A patent application to secure a license for a new type of footwear.
The development of a new Additive Manufacturing process to reduce time and costs.
The commissioning of a study for New Balance Athletic Shoes by MIT.
A USA Society of Manufacturing Engineering Breakthrough Technology Award.
The commission of a film about the team's research by the Institute of Engineering Technology to encourage young people to become engineers.
Researcher recruited for public understanding campaign.
The award of further funding to develop and commercialise the research.
