It’s a ‘70’s Party – but platforms get the boot!

We are calling on all Goodnight Walkers to get into the party spirit and dress up in ‘70’s style – but platform shoes get the boot!

Flares, jumpsuits, psychedelic shirts, disco gear, whacky wigs – we’re looking forward to seeing them all but instead of the uncomfortable and unpractical ‘70’s footwear fad of platform shoes, why not be kind to your feet and true to the ‘70’s at the same time by wearing trainers?

It’s a little recognised fact that the modern day trainer has its roots in the ‘70’s. It was during this decade that science started to be applied to sports shoes which up to this point had been little more advanced than simple plimsolls. In the ‘70’s the industry started to look to podiatrists (feet specialists) to help them research how people run and develop shoes to enhance performance.

It was discovered that during the act of running, some people favour the outside of their foot after their heel hits the ground (supernation), some move forward using the inside of the foot (pronation) while others keep their feet straight and are considered to have a neutral gait. Podiatrists advised that providing some shock absorption in the right places in sports shoes to complement different running styles would result in greater comfort – and faster running!

It was this need that prompted the development during the ‘70’s of the first types of air cushioning systems which culminated in 1979 in the launch of one of the most successful and enduring cushioning system – Nike Air. Since then all trainer manufacturers have been applying science to their product development in a highly competitive market.

Get into the groove with a free gait analysis

There’s no bigger barrier to getting into the ‘70’s groove than sore feet, so we’ve teamed up with local, independent sports shop Hawkinsport & Son to make sure that you can party on in comfort on 18 June.

All Goodnight Walkers are invited to find out what their own personal walking and running style is by visiting the Hawkinsport shop at 37/39 The Parade in Bourne End, Bucks for a FREE gait analysis.

A gait analysis studies the way you move your foot as you walk or run and the experienced Hawkinsport staff will then be able to advise you on the best type of trainers that will offer the correct support and cushioning for your particular style.

Hawkinsport is also offering all participants in the walk 10% off footwear and clothing either in the shop in Bourne End or their shop at 38 Hill Avenue, Amersham.

To qualify for these special offers, simply enter the Goodnight Walk and you will receive vouchers in your joining pack.

For more information on Hawkinsport & Son, please visit www.hawkinsport.co.uk.

To sign up for the Goodnight walk, click here.