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In order to make running laps in phys-ed class easier, Viktor Gordeyev invented gasoline-powered boots. These super-boots are capable of propelling the wearer at upwards of 20 miles per hour. The boots contain miniature pistons which operate as two-stroke engines, firing (hopefully) as the wearer’s foot leaves the ground, causing a stronger stride.
Test runners have gotten up to 21.7 miles per hour in the latest versions of the boots, under development in Russia for decades. Some problems exist with the technology — for one thing, the boots are apparently heavy enough that there is no net energy gain in using them. Even so, we’d like to get our hands on a pair.
Read more about the boots at the New York Times.
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Finally! An answer to the long awaited question, “How can I help destroy the environment, while simply walking around?”
posted by Rexmons on 3-19-2007 at 11:35 am
Someone fill me in…..what was the point of this invention?
posted by Jane on 3-19-2007 at 12:49 pm
I believe it was supposed to make people run faster. For some military application, presumably. However, the weight of the apparatus is such that although the user can run fast, it still takes a lot of energy.
posted by Higgins on 3-19-2007 at 1:28 pm
A hundred years ago, when I was a competitive runner, I was consistently clocked in the mid 20’s (mph) and I was not even an elite runner. World Class Sprinters get close to 30 mph.
So, after decades of development, they have gotten up to average human speed? Do they at least allow you carry a load at the speed?
posted by n2y2 on 3-19-2007 at 2:06 pm
n2y2, presumably the boots allow one to run at 20mph for a long period of time. While sprinters can, and do, run 20-30 mph, they only do so for very short distances.
posted by Alice on 3-20-2007 at 4:54 pm