An athletic shoe is a generic name for footwear designed for sporting and physical activities.

hletic shoes, depending on the location and the actual type of footwear, may also be referred to as trainers (British English), sandshoes, gym boots or joggers (Australian English) running shoes, runners or gutties (Canadian English, Australian English, Hiberno-English), sneakers, tennis shoes (North American English, Australian English), gym shoes, tennies, sport shoes, sneaks, or takkies (South African English) and rubber shoes (Philippine English) canvers (Nigerian English).

Long term effects

''Knee osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for more disability in the elderly than any other disease. Running, although it has proven cardiovascular and other health benefits, can increase stresses on the joints of the leg. In a study published in the December 2009 issue of PM&R: The journal of injury, function and rehabilitation, researchers compared the effects on knee, hip and ankle joint motions of running barefoot versus running in modern running shoes. They concluded that running shoes exerted more stress on these joints compared to running barefoot or walking in high-heeled shoes.

Sixty-eight healthy young adult runners (37 women), who run in typical, currently available running shoes, were selected from the general population. None had any history of musculoskeletal injury and each ran at least 15 miles per week. A running shoe, selected for its neutral classification and design characteristics typical of most running footwear, was provided to all runners. Using a treadmill and a motion analysis system, each subject was observed running barefoot and with shoes. Data were collected at each runner's comfortable running pace after a warm-up period.

The researchers observed increased joint torques at the hip, knee and ankle with running shoes compared with running barefoot. Disproportionately large increases were observed in the hip internal rotation torque and in the knee flexion and knee varus torques. An average 54% increase in the hip internal rotation torque, a 36% increase in knee flexion torque, and a 38% increase in knee varus torque were measured when running in running shoes compared with barefoot.

These findings confirm that while the typical construction of modern-day running shoes provides good support and protection of the foot itself, one negative effect is the increased stress on each of the 3 lower extremity joints. These increases are likely caused in large part by an elevated heel and increased material under the medial arch, both characteristic of today's running shoes.

Writing in the article, lead author D. Casey Kerrigan, MD, JKM Technologies LLC, Charlottesville, VA, and co-investigators state, "Remarkably, the effect of running shoes on knee joint torques during running (36%-38% increase) that the authors observed here is even greater than the effect that was reported earlier of high-heeled shoes during walking (20%-26% increase). Considering that lower extremity joint loading is of a significantly greater magnitude during running than is experienced during walking, the current findings indeed represent substantial biomechanical changes." Dr. Kerrigan concludes, "Reducing joint torques with footwear completely to that of barefoot running, while providing meaningful footwear functions, especially compliance, should be the goal of new footwear designs."

Another way to include logo design would be through signage.

I've been browsing through images of older people and came across a photograph of an 'Elderly people' sign. I do actually really like the existing sign, however, I could manipulate it to include the message I'm trying to put across.

'Ask most pensioners and they'll tell you they still feel 18 inside.' Very true. Whether this sentence is said in a wishful or sarcastic manor, it's actually surprising to know that most older people do in fact feel good physically. Nowadays you hear about, 'John, the 81 year old who separately climbed Mount Everest.' It's safe to say, some of the older generation are fitter than some of us youngsters. Embarrassing.com!

Other than their physical fitness/health, their minds are one for thought. Some of the naughty antics these aged people get up to can be quite the shocker. I've found some imagery illustrating the humorous side of their well-being. As much as most of these are probably set up, they do have a tendency to get up to naughtiness, which is why I feel as though humor would be a great tone of voice to use within my work. I did specify in my brief that my work would be targeted indirectly towards the elderly through their close relations, but as it's still early on I feel as though it's good to have this option. I have various ways in which I can use humor in my work, and I have two target audiences from which I would have to use different design paths for each.

Brand names

I've been looking at sport shoe brand names to start me off. Since I picked the 'In the LOGO' brief as one of my chosen three to help me write my own brief, I thought looking at other logos would be a good idea. I want to design a new logo, but I'm not sure whether or not to re-brand an existing logo or create a completely new brand altogether. I guess if I made my own, people may not fully understand it and would wonder what it was although I would have to freedom and control over the name which could then be easily turned into a good pun which could be used within a strapline. Oooh, the possibilities are endless!

I've just had a thought.. if I were to create a new brand, I could make it specifically for older people. It would give me a good solid concept when it came to designing the logo for the new brand, as it would be aimed towards the older generation. Heeeyy, I'm liking where this is going! :)

It's the end

The type sessions have really taught me a lot. I've always loved playing around with words, and I know I will always have an interest in this area.

I've learnt so much in the few hours we've had with Graham; the anatomy of type, hierarchy, the use of colour, ways in which type can be presented to suit certain people or things, and how to handle big blocks of text.

I feel comfortable using the skills I have learnt and putting them into practise for any work I may be doing. I'm in constant thought of what type skills I can use next!

Anyway, Graham's lovingly given us an Easter task to finish with for the type module.

We've been asked to design a layout for both an academic and casual magazine, using type and imagery which has been foldered in the wonderful college network.

I've been browsing the internet to see what I can find in the way of an academic magazine layout.

From what I can see and from what I know about academics, is that they have a professional look about them.

Columns are kept to a minimum of two and have very simple layouts.

They look formal and to the point. There's no messing around with fancy designs.