What's zero drop?
The drop of a shoe is the difference in sole height between the forefoot and the heel. Scientific studies conducted by our research lab (the SportsLab) have shown that a zero drop allows for a more natural stride, similar to running barefoot. This natural stride allows for better absorption of shock waves when running and strengthens your child's muscles and tendons in the long term.
What about the natural stride?
Athletics Easy is based on three criteria for a natural stride as similar as possible to barefoot running:
- Zero drop, so that the middle of the foot lands before the heel.
- Lightweight for a more limber stride.
- Flexibility for easier roll-through with the midfoot.
Result: The energy generated by ground contact is transmitted to the rear leg muscles which absorb vibrations better.
A design chosen for children... and based on parents' feedback.
For these shoes, our team focused on the needs of budding athletes and their parents' feedback:
- The rubber pads at the front and back of the sole increase for more grip
- The Velcro strap allows children to put on and take off their shoes themselves
- The inner strap holds the foot effectively
- Reinforcements in the front, back and sides of the upper offer your child more support and protection
Our design team is proud to present...
... a stylish, lightweight and affordable shoe.
Achieving this involved a team of 15 people, a lot of exchanges, consideration of your feedback, teamwork with SportsLab, lab and field tests and our desire to offer an affordable shoe adapted to the natural stride of children starting sports.
The result: "A stylish shoe designed with common sense that are perfectly suited to track and field."
Carole, product manager, and Maxime, engineer at SportsLab, talk about Athletics Easy and the natural stride
"We based our design on the assumption that the body is naturally well-built and has everything it needs for running. The future of your child's natural stride begins when they start sport. That's why we designed these shoes."
"The idea is to respect nature and learn how to run again: it's a natural movement. When your kids take up track and field, these shoes foster their natural movement and help them develop in the sport."
Did you know?
The fit of children's and adult shoes are not the same!
Junior athletics shoes are specifically designed for children's feet. A child's foot is proportionally slimmer and less voluminous in the shoe than an adult's. Give your young growing athlete space so they don't feel restricted when doing sport. If an adult chooses a shoe designed for children, their foot movements are restricted, which has a direct impact on the body!