Optimal position of the hinge point of a clap skate
Effective Foot Length in Speed Skates
Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the optimal position of the hinge on a klapskate (a type of speed skate). However, no definitive answer has emerged. It has been found that the ideal position varies from person to person.
The term "effective foot length" refers to the optimal position of the hinge. It is defined as the horizontal distance from the center of your ankle joint to the hinge point.
The most effective foot length is approximately 63% of the total foot length. For example, for a Cádomotus Balance shoe size 42 (270mm long), the average effective foot length would be 170mm. However, for one skater with size 42, it might be 160mm, while for another it could be 175mm. The 63% is merely a guideline and highlights the complexity of skate propulsion.
The table below shows the size in centimeters with a corresponding EU shoe size as reference in the 2nd column. The 3rd column shows the attachment distance between the mounting points, this applies to both the Cádomotus Balance and Pressure shoes.
|
Maat |
EU |
B |
A |
A+B |
C |
L-effectief |
|
23,5 |
37 |
145 |
30 |
175 |
60 |
148 |
|
24 |
38 |
150 |
30 |
180 |
60 |
151 |
|
24,5 |
38½ |
155 |
35 |
190 |
55 |
154 |
|
25 |
39 |
160 |
35 |
195 |
55 |
158 |
|
25,5 |
40 |
165 |
35 |
200 |
55 |
161 |
|
26 |
41 |
170 |
35 |
205 |
55 |
164 |
|
26,5 |
41½ |
175 |
35 |
210 |
55 |
167 |
|
27 |
42 |
180 |
35 |
215 |
55 |
170 |
|
27,5 |
43 |
185 |
35 |
220 |
55 |
171 |
|
28 |
44 |
190 |
35 |
225 |
55 |
173 |
|
28,5 |
44½ |
195 |
35 |
230 |
55 |
180 |
|
29 |
45 |
195 |
40 |
235 |
55 |
183 |
|
29,5 |
46 |
200 |
40 |
240 |
55 |
186 |
|
30 |
47 |
200 |
40 |
240 |
60 |
189 |
Adjustability of skates is crucial
It is essential that the skate boot can be adjusted on the klapskate frame. Skaters need to experiment to find their optimal effective foot length.
Cádomotus R304 and R980 irons accommodate two bracket sizes, offering more adjustment options. This allows for a wider range of shoe sizes to fit on a single skate length.
Research on optimal hinge position Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the optimal position of the hinge on a klapskate:
-
de Koning JJ, Houdijk H, de Groot G, Bobbert MF, From biomechanical theory to application in top sports: the Klapskate story. Journal of Biomechanics 2000; 33:1225-1229
-
Houdijk H, de Koning JJ, de Groot G, Bobbert MF & van Ingen Schenau GJ, Push-off mechanics in speed skating with conventional skates and klapskates. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2000; 32, 635-641.
-
van Horne S and Stefanyshyn DJ, Potential Method of Optimizing the Klapskate Hinge Position in Speed Skating. Journal of applied Biomechanics, 2005; 21: 211-222
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