F-scan Test – like walking on a pane of glass, while looking at it from underneath. This measures strike points in milli-seconds. 4 students wore Earth and Brooks (addiction) jogger.

3 areas were measured:
1. Foot pressures
2. Gait line
3. Pressure peaks

The results (and description) of the Preliminary Clinical Investigation are as follows:

Item 1. Foot pressures:
Rearfoot pressure
Forefoot pressure
Frontload pressures

Test – Measure total pressure on foot throughout the stride. Compare rear, mid, and front load pressure.

Results –It was suspected that an adjustment to the Negative Heel would result in increased pressure on the forefoot, and reduced pressures on the heel. This was NOT the case. This means that another foot/leg biomechanics function must work harder.

Layman’s terms – There is evidence to suggest that the negative heel causes the Gastrosolius Complex (the calf) muscles to work harder…which builds muscle/tone…and is a form of exercise.

This would be relevant to Physical Therapists and their patients.

If we were to further study, recommendation as follows:
Deaconess hospital, Boston.
40 people.
Grade them first, wear for 4 weeks, re-grade. Final re-grade after 8 weeks.

Item 2. Gait Line:

Test – Plots center of pressure points through the stride, in order to determine pronation,
supplenation. This is a progression of how the foot absorbs shock, which provides a center of pressure plot (C.O.P.).

Results - At mid stance, there were no significant changes in Foot pressures. Pronation, or supplentation is not statistically different from Brooks (addiction)
jogger.

Layman terms – Earth is a sturdy base/foundation. This effect is important, as performance Brands spend millions to accomplish this.

[As a result a separate study, there is parallel evidence to suggest that Earth minimizes elliptical sway. This is significant to seniors, whose sway tends to increase with age.]

Item 3. Peak pressures

Test – Measures “hot spots”…ie, if you were to wear loafers for 100 miles, there would be pressure points.

Results – The peak pressure was average in the forefoot. (Primarily due to the width of the shoe)

Layman’s terms – There is evidence to suggest that the lower heel minimizes peak pressures. Earth provides this smoother ride, because the weight is more evenly dispersed over a wider base. This is VERY significant as it relates to the most common forefoot problems – Metarsalgia (Motron’s Neruoma, Hammer toe, etc.)

If we were to further study, recommendation:
Justin Wernick
NY College of podiatry (consultant to Enslow shoes, NY)
40 people wear test:
Grade them first,
Wear for 4 weeks, re-grade.
Final re-grade after 8 weeks.