Introduction
When examining how the running shoe began, you will be able to see the importance of invention, evolution, innovation, and most of all, the growth of sport in the 19th and 20th centuries. With the information below, you will be able to gather what kick started the global running shoe phenomenon.
Now tie up those laces and sprint right into where it all began...
When examining how the running shoe began, you will be able to see the importance of invention, evolution, innovation, and most of all, the growth of sport in the 19th and 20th centuries. With the information below, you will be able to gather what kick started the global running shoe phenomenon.
Now tie up those laces and sprint right into where it all began...
1800-1830
Where It All Started
It all began with two kinds of shoes that were made by our ancestors as a way to protect the feet from damage while completing daily tasks that were often physically demanding (Renyolds).
It all began with two kinds of shoes that were made by our ancestors as a way to protect the feet from damage while completing daily tasks that were often physically demanding (Renyolds).
But as time moved on, the demands for a more durable and protective shoe grew. Many professions at this time consisted of standing on your feet for long periods of time while completing demanding tasks, an example being farming.
This led to rubber being invented in South America (Keyser).
This led to rubber being invented in South America (Keyser).
North Americans caught wind of this useful invention which initiated "rubber fever". Manufactures became intrigued with the idea of creating a rubber sole for the shoe, but discovered that the materials used to form rubber in South America could not be found in North America. This is due to the climate's effect on the composition of the rubber, and the lack of materials found in North America (Keyser).
1830-1860
This Inventions That Changed It All
In the early 1800's, an inventor from the United States named Charles Goodyear, became obsessed with the idea of creating a durable rubber that would be effective in every climate. He spent decades trying to create the perfect material for North Americans to use as rubber (Riello et al., Keyser).
After spending years and years bent over a stove heating bits of latex mixed with all kinds of substances, one day In 1839 he came across a solution by accident!
A bit of sulfur flew out of the pot and landed on his countertop. He expected it to melt away like all of his other combinations, but it remained solid and resembled leather. (Riello et al., Keyser).
This accident proved to be a breakthrough for Goodyear, and all things rubber!
In 1844 Goodyear received a patent for this process which is called vulcanization. This gave Goodyear the property of his invention (DaSilva et al.), which is the process of melting latex/plastic material with sulfur to form a dense, elastic, durable material that we call rubber (Hudec et al.).
Although his invention proved to be useful for more than just the shoe, Goodyear did not receive funding for his invention and spent his life in debt. He died a poor man in 1860 at the age of 59 (Keyser).
In the early 1800's, an inventor from the United States named Charles Goodyear, became obsessed with the idea of creating a durable rubber that would be effective in every climate. He spent decades trying to create the perfect material for North Americans to use as rubber (Riello et al., Keyser).
After spending years and years bent over a stove heating bits of latex mixed with all kinds of substances, one day In 1839 he came across a solution by accident!
A bit of sulfur flew out of the pot and landed on his countertop. He expected it to melt away like all of his other combinations, but it remained solid and resembled leather. (Riello et al., Keyser).
This accident proved to be a breakthrough for Goodyear, and all things rubber!
In 1844 Goodyear received a patent for this process which is called vulcanization. This gave Goodyear the property of his invention (DaSilva et al.), which is the process of melting latex/plastic material with sulfur to form a dense, elastic, durable material that we call rubber (Hudec et al.).
Although his invention proved to be useful for more than just the shoe, Goodyear did not receive funding for his invention and spent his life in debt. He died a poor man in 1860 at the age of 59 (Keyser).
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An American inventor named Lyman Reed Blake took the invention of rubber and put its power into the running shoe. Reed Blake invented the sewing machine in 1850 which allowed for fast formation of the running shoe. (DaSilva et al.). This machine eliminated the process of hand sewing shoes. This allowed for the price of running shoes to drop as they were less time consuming to produce and more could be made due to the efficiency of formation (DaSilva, Keyser). |
Difficulties With Creation?
Although the materials and machinery began to fall into place, creators had little understanding of the foot's anatomy (Hamhil).
For example, no difference between the left and right shoe occurred until later in the 1850's. (Dasilva et al.). This made many running shoes unpleasant and left many feet with deformities, blisters, bruises, broken or worn off toenails, and injuries such as fractures, sprains and strains. (Hamhil)
1860 - 1880
Process That Changed It All
In the early 1860's an inventor named John Boyle Dunlop, discovered how to bind canvas to rubber. He called these shoes "Plimsolls" because of the similarities found between the line of the sole of the shoe and the line that marks a cargo ship to indicate load. Samuel Plimsoll invented the line on the ship (Keyser).
Liverpool Rubber Company, located in the United Kingdom, made the first shoe with a canvas top and rubber soles originally for beachwear, but quickly became a popular shoe for physical activity (Braithwaite).
These were found to be an effective athletic shoe in late 1860s and were named the first sneaker. As years passed, materials like the canvas top and sewing mechanisms became slightly more advanced, but the overall look and function of the shoe remained the same (Keyser).
In the early 1860's an inventor named John Boyle Dunlop, discovered how to bind canvas to rubber. He called these shoes "Plimsolls" because of the similarities found between the line of the sole of the shoe and the line that marks a cargo ship to indicate load. Samuel Plimsoll invented the line on the ship (Keyser).
Liverpool Rubber Company, located in the United Kingdom, made the first shoe with a canvas top and rubber soles originally for beachwear, but quickly became a popular shoe for physical activity (Braithwaite).
These were found to be an effective athletic shoe in late 1860s and were named the first sneaker. As years passed, materials like the canvas top and sewing mechanisms became slightly more advanced, but the overall look and function of the shoe remained the same (Keyser).
The Name The Plimsolls is where the name "sneakers" came from due to their lightweight characteristics which allowed people to remain unheard when walking around in the new invention (Braithwaite). As the general population and athletes took advantage of the shoe, the military also became interested with the running shoe. This led to many manufacturers converting their production to make military shoes and supplies (Braithwaite). |
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Changes Made
Soon after Plimsolls became a popular shoe for athletes, there were adaptations made to better suit sport (Keyser, Hamil).
Manufacturers began to put nails in the bottom of their shoes for runners. This increased resistance when coming into contact with the ground to gain speed and increase performance (Hamhil). These were soon named the spikes of the shoe which became a feature many runners wanted in their shoes.
Those who ran races without spikes had a large disadvantage and were unable to keep pace with those with spiked running shoes (Shearman).
Soon after Plimsolls became a popular shoe for athletes, there were adaptations made to better suit sport (Keyser, Hamil).
Manufacturers began to put nails in the bottom of their shoes for runners. This increased resistance when coming into contact with the ground to gain speed and increase performance (Hamhil). These were soon named the spikes of the shoe which became a feature many runners wanted in their shoes.
Those who ran races without spikes had a large disadvantage and were unable to keep pace with those with spiked running shoes (Shearman).
1880-1900
Machinery
Machinery advanced immensely in 1885 which played a large part in the history of the running shoe. Without these machines and tools, the evolution of this invention would not have been so significant.
To be successful, factories obtained a multitude machines to increase production, precision and overall quality of the product.
(Leno).
Below will highlight the most important machines that came to be during this time.
Machinery advanced immensely in 1885 which played a large part in the history of the running shoe. Without these machines and tools, the evolution of this invention would not have been so significant.
To be successful, factories obtained a multitude machines to increase production, precision and overall quality of the product.
(Leno).
Below will highlight the most important machines that came to be during this time.
The list of machines invented during this time is never ending, they varied from...
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Shoe manufacturers were carried by the aid of these machines as they became necessary for production.
Due to the nature of this field, many men joined making each department fully staffed. They became educated on the machines which allowed for persistence and efficient production of shoes (Leno).
Below is a video which goes through the process of producing a shoe. Many of the machines mentioned above can be seen within this video! Note that this video is highlighting the process of 1940-1949, so many improvements of machines were made from the time of invention.
Due to the nature of this field, many men joined making each department fully staffed. They became educated on the machines which allowed for persistence and efficient production of shoes (Leno).
Below is a video which goes through the process of producing a shoe. Many of the machines mentioned above can be seen within this video! Note that this video is highlighting the process of 1940-1949, so many improvements of machines were made from the time of invention.
How Do The Shoes Varry?
At this point, all manufacturers had a similar idea of what a shoe should look like. They either created an ordinary canvas shoe with rubber soles, leather running shoes with rubber soles, and both without or without spikes. But manufacturing companies began to get competitive and the running shoe quickly had a multitude of variations (Spalding, Rossetti).
At this point, all manufacturers had a similar idea of what a shoe should look like. They either created an ordinary canvas shoe with rubber soles, leather running shoes with rubber soles, and both without or without spikes. But manufacturing companies began to get competitive and the running shoe quickly had a multitude of variations (Spalding, Rossetti).
Directly below, you can see specific types and prices of shoes that were most popular for running, jumping and hurdling in 1881.
Each had unique materials such as the specific type of leather, spikes, weight, shape, and flexibility (Spalding). |
Directly below are examples of shoes used for indoor running and jumping, along with the price of the shoes in 1881 (Spalding).
They also invented some accessories to running shoes such as a protective layer to wear underneath the shoe to prevent irritation, and a protection for running shoe spikes (both pictured below)(Renyolds, Sherman). |
Shoe and Foot Knowledge Increases!
As manufactures' main goal was to create the perfect fitting shoe, they increased their understanding of the foot and shoe anatomy...
They began to understand that patterns of toes, the importance of a proper fitting heal to prevent irritation, the need for stability for those who are on their feet for long amount of hours, and the negative effects of an improper fitting shoe can cause (Renyolds).
As manufactures' main goal was to create the perfect fitting shoe, they increased their understanding of the foot and shoe anatomy...
They began to understand that patterns of toes, the importance of a proper fitting heal to prevent irritation, the need for stability for those who are on their feet for long amount of hours, and the negative effects of an improper fitting shoe can cause (Renyolds).
Some key features that were taken into consideration include... the importance of the tongue to prevent irritation to the top of the foot, the rounding of the back of the heel for the achilles tendon, the shank for stability and support, as well as the cushioning and comfort of the insole (Renyolds). |
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Technology and Advances
As technology advanced in the late 1800s-early 1900s new processes came into play. Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented an automatic method for lasting shoes. This paved the way for mass production of affordable shoes (DaSilva et al.). Manufactures were also able to make diagrams of their clients foot in order to make an exact fitting shoe for the foot (Riello et al.). To assist with the perfect fit laces were used to enhance stability and make the fit more person specific (Riello et al.). This was a game changer for those who relied on the running shoe for comfort and effectiveness. Marketing Advancements In the late 1890's, newspapers and magazines were filled with running shoe advertisements and the multitude of inventions that came about during this time period. This explains that the popularity of the running shoes began to flourish around this time (Sherman). Pictured to the left are photos of a newspaper published in 1889. These are advertisements from specific stores that sell the running shoe as well as factories that produce important machinery. |
What Came from Inventions and Marketing?
In the early 1890's rubber manufactures and shoe factories all over North America increased immensely and were all striving to be the best and sell the most. So by 1892, the most important part of a pedestrian's outfit became the running shoe!
When asking about running shoes, you were told to go to a reputable manufacturer for a shoe of good price, comfort and durability. The manufactures that were most successful had all three of those characteristics that were sought out by a person looking for the perfect shoe. (Gilbert).
In the early 1890's rubber manufactures and shoe factories all over North America increased immensely and were all striving to be the best and sell the most. So by 1892, the most important part of a pedestrian's outfit became the running shoe!
When asking about running shoes, you were told to go to a reputable manufacturer for a shoe of good price, comfort and durability. The manufactures that were most successful had all three of those characteristics that were sought out by a person looking for the perfect shoe. (Gilbert).
Running Shoes in the First Olympics!
Athens Greece held the first Olympics In 1896. Over 280 male athletes attended 12 different countries. Many athletes were seen to be wearing running shoes which gave them an advantage. But a handful of participants did not have the delicacy of shoes depending on which country they were coming from leaving them as a disadvantage (Britannica Academic).
Below is a video from the Olympic games in 1896. Keep an eye on the shoes worn (if any at all!).
Athens Greece held the first Olympics In 1896. Over 280 male athletes attended 12 different countries. Many athletes were seen to be wearing running shoes which gave them an advantage. But a handful of participants did not have the delicacy of shoes depending on which country they were coming from leaving them as a disadvantage (Britannica Academic).
Below is a video from the Olympic games in 1896. Keep an eye on the shoes worn (if any at all!).
1900-1950
1908 Olympics
With the growing knowledge of shoes, Spalding factory being one of the most popular manufactures at the time, perfected three athletic options which gave runners the option to choose what shoe will work best for their event (Spalding).
In the 1908 London Olympics, the American team had a variety of shoe styles to choose from. It is predicted to be the reason for many of their victories during these Olympic games (Spalding).
The three main shoes from the Spalding factory that many distant runners wore include...
No. MB shoe
- High cut
- Made with special rubber soles
- Finished inside
- Hand sewed for athlete
- Cost $8
No. MO Shoe
- Low cut
- Corrugated tap rubber sole
- High quality leather top
- Finished inside
- Hand sewed for athlete
- Cost $5
No. MH
- High cut
- Corrugated tap rubber sole
- High quality leather top
- Finished inside
- Hand sewed for athlete
- Cost $5
(Spalding)
Below is a video highlighting the 1908 Olympic Marathon. It can be observed that both athletes that crossed the finish line had a pair of Spaldings running shoes on!
With the growing knowledge of shoes, Spalding factory being one of the most popular manufactures at the time, perfected three athletic options which gave runners the option to choose what shoe will work best for their event (Spalding).
In the 1908 London Olympics, the American team had a variety of shoe styles to choose from. It is predicted to be the reason for many of their victories during these Olympic games (Spalding).
The three main shoes from the Spalding factory that many distant runners wore include...
No. MB shoe
- High cut
- Made with special rubber soles
- Finished inside
- Hand sewed for athlete
- Cost $8
No. MO Shoe
- Low cut
- Corrugated tap rubber sole
- High quality leather top
- Finished inside
- Hand sewed for athlete
- Cost $5
No. MH
- High cut
- Corrugated tap rubber sole
- High quality leather top
- Finished inside
- Hand sewed for athlete
- Cost $5
(Spalding)
Below is a video highlighting the 1908 Olympic Marathon. It can be observed that both athletes that crossed the finish line had a pair of Spaldings running shoes on!
Careers Within the Running Shoe
1915 the amount of factories that produced the running shoe increased more than ever before. This presented more job opportunities within North America! Over 200 000 employees worked in this field (Keyser, Riello et al.).
Some jobs include/..
- Shoe machinery repairman - Shoe clerk
- Shoe dealer - Shoe repairer
- Shoes salesman - Shoe factory owner
Problems Of Evolution of the Running Shoe
As we get closer to the 1920's, the larger companies forced smaller businesses to close. This narrowed down the production to only the most popular shoes (Braithwaite).
Materials were often on back order or out of stock so manufacturing brands became competitive between each other over the availability of needed materials. This enhanced rivalry between many companies which carried on into the later years of their evolution.
The Love of Sport Evolution
The gain of love for sports in the 1900's is the biggest and most relevant change to the running shoe. Individuals from all around the globe began to participate and find a passion for many new and evolving activities. Each required running shoes which helped push manufactures to create their own brand names and styles (Hamhil).
Some of the most popular physical activity from 1900-1950 included..
- Basketball - Lawn Tennis
- Baseball - Badminton
- Football
(Lombardo)
Brand's Evolution....
Keds - 1916
After decades of different manufacturers creating the running shoe, one company decided to focus their production to a specific shoe. A simple, white, canvas lace-up with a blue rectangle on the heel that said "Keds" after their brand name. They chose this as it is a combination of the word "kid" and "ped" (meaning 'foot' in Latin), as their main focus was running shoes for children (Keyser).
These were the first mass-marketed canvas top sneaker (Keyser)
Keds - 1916
After decades of different manufacturers creating the running shoe, one company decided to focus their production to a specific shoe. A simple, white, canvas lace-up with a blue rectangle on the heel that said "Keds" after their brand name. They chose this as it is a combination of the word "kid" and "ped" (meaning 'foot' in Latin), as their main focus was running shoes for children (Keyser).
These were the first mass-marketed canvas top sneaker (Keyser)
Converse - 1917 This company based their shoe production on the evolution of the sport basketball. The creators made an intelligent choice to base their make on something that many young buyers would be interested in. They created a high-top, canvas, lightweight sneaker called the "All Star". 1917 is named the year of basketball shoes. It is the shoe that invented the game. |
Chuck Taylor Taylor is the salesman for Converse that gained the company immense popularity. He traveled the country promoting the 'All Star' basketball shoes. Without him Converse would not be where they are today. |
Puma
1948 The Dassler Brother Shoe Factory created the first Puma shoe. Rudolf Dassler eventually stemmed off to form Puma as his own brand once the brothers had a falling out and went their separate ways (Braithwaite). |
Rudolf Dassler
Founder of Puma, brother and former business partner to Adolf Dassler. |
Conclusion
After examining the evolution of the running shoe from the 1800's to 1950, you can see the importance of inventions, marketing, and sports. Without the mass of inventions, the creation of the shoe would not be as advanced and desirable, without the intense marketing, no companies would have received the recognition deserved, and without the spike of interest in sport and demanding activities, the running shoe would not have been utilized to its full potential.
Therefore all events leading up to the 1950s gave leverage to the events that unfold in the 1950s-present.
After examining the evolution of the running shoe from the 1800's to 1950, you can see the importance of inventions, marketing, and sports. Without the mass of inventions, the creation of the shoe would not be as advanced and desirable, without the intense marketing, no companies would have received the recognition deserved, and without the spike of interest in sport and demanding activities, the running shoe would not have been utilized to its full potential.
Therefore all events leading up to the 1950s gave leverage to the events that unfold in the 1950s-present.