We’re big fans of smart wearables that can help to reduce injuries – just take a look at our interest in the SAF-T vest – so it should come as no surprise that another smart wearable recently caught our eye. The Ascent hiking boot claims that it can help to prevent ankle injuries by using similar technology seen in the SAF-T vest.
According to the German startup Terrein, which manufactures the hiking boot, they have created a footwear option with a built-in ankle stabilizing piston that stiffens upon hard, joint-wrenching impacts. Similar to how the SAF-T vest rapidly inflates when a potentially devastating fall is detected, the Ascent hiking boot offers adaptive ankle protection when the force of an ankle-rolling-type impact is detected.
Adaptive Ankle Protection
The ankle protection system was developed by a German startup called Betterguards Technology, and they say that the built-in hydraulics instantly stabilize when an ankle-rolling-type force is detected, which prevents buckling and allows the hiker to quickly regain their footing and keep striding forward. When normal foot motion is detected, the piston inside the boot extends and retracts as necessary to support natural movement.
Learn more about the adaptive ankle technology in this illustrative video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVVaaX_dXwk
Betterguards states that the built in strut system reacts three times faster than a human, which can help support the ankle before it reaches a point where it rolls and sprains. It should be very helpful technology for hikers, as roughly 40 percent of all hiking injuries affect the ankles.
If you’re hoping to get your hands (or feet!) on one of these pairs of hiking boots, you’re probably going to be waiting a while if you live in America. Terrein is currently focused on local, sustainable production, and because of current supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic, they are only focusing on the European market. They still aren’t available for purchase or even pre-order, but Terrein is allowing interested parties to sign up for more information on their website.
It’s certainly interesting technology, and if it can help to prevent foot injuries, we’re all for it! And if you want to read up on some local smart wearables that we’re involved in, check out some of the previous blog posts on the SAF-T vest!
