For a sport that depends on the springiness of the foot, it seems strange to me that there have been no concerted efforts to develop an appropriate shoe for a rower.
The British Rowing Technique is a long, front loaded, leg driven stroke, but the connection between the footplate and the rest of the leg, which translates that surge all the way up into your arms – or levers – is crucial in representing how you apply power. We’ve seen some iterations of different shoe types in the boat, but certainly nothing that stands out for lifting weights, cross-training or pounding out the miles on the ergo.
At this stage, it should come as little surprise to hear that Mizuno are once again pushing the pulse of rowing apparel in the UK. The official kit partner for both the Great British team – from senior, to U23 and junior – they’re constantly looking to push the boat out, physically and metaphorically.
I first heard about the Mizuno training shoe over the summer, when speaking with the team about their plans for the British Indoor Rowing Championships. Immediately, I wanted to know more and that got me thinking – why hadn’t anyone thought to develop a shoe that is purpose-built for the indoor rowing machine, the weights room and the paved road?
It seemed to me to be simple – we wear tatty old trainers to take on hugely important ergo tests and push personal bests in the gym. Why not try a shoe built for springiness, for zip, for comfort and for precision in the dynamics of the leg?
Founded in advanced performance research, Mizuno has designed a sophisticated training shoe that aims to improve the benefits of balance and body awareness for overall athletic performance.
Every athlete has different training goals and needs: to increase strength and endurance, to prevent injuries and to become more aware and in control of their bodies and abilities. Amongst all, Mizuno found balance to be a crucial training element for improved performance, as control of body movements is essential for athletes across all sports. Therefore, Mizuno developed the Mizuno COB Technology as the core technology incorporated in the TC-01 shoes.
We took the shoes down to St Paul’s School to test and debut, and the feedback has been impressive already. Joe Middleton, a silver medallist in the Men’s Coxed Four at the 2019 Junior World Rowing Championships and a prominent member of Bobby Thatcher’s St Paul’s first eight, reported back to us:
“I’ve been using them for my ergs since I got them and I really like them. The hard sole is firm but springy and they feel strong and durable. I actually got a PB on my last test wearing them”
Joe Middleton, St Paul’s School
We also spoke with Lucy Lloyd, of Durham University:
“I was on the ergo in them for the first time last week and there was absolutely more connection with the foot plate, especially compared to my old Adidas weights shoes. I think the increased flex in the toe means it feels better in terms of similarity to being on the water, particularly in relation to power output”.
Lucy Lloyd, Durham University
So why are they already proving a hit amongst rowers? The MIZUNO COB Technology consists of sensor pod clusters that enable increased feedback to transfer from the feet to aid balance. Used in the soles of the TC-01 training shoes, these activation pods designed on the surface of the midsoles allow information to be transmitted to the bottom of the feet which can lead to increased foot sensitivity and improved performance.
The initial concept began with a study among trainers across 15 different sports, which revealed that balance is considered to be the most important element in training for improving athletes’ performance.
“Balance is the basis of our movement and is very important. In order to improve stability and balance capabilities, the neuro system must be utilized effectively, and Mizuno is doing exactly that.”
Dr. Benno M. Nigg, Biomechanigg Sport and Health Research(BSHR)
So, you’ve heard what we think. You’ve heard what athletes think. You’ve heard what the experts think. Time to try for yourself.
Make the next step.
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