ShockBlockers® Testing and Performance

Mike Dennis, Founder, President, and CEO of Oregon Aero explains: "When we walk, run or stand, we generate shock, which is mechanical energy. This shock can cause pain, stone bruises, shin splints and compression fractures. The goal of ShockBlockers Insole Inserts is to reduce the negative effect of this mechanical energy. The total energy generated can’t be reduced, but it can be converted into a form of energy that is more easily manipulated—in this case, into heat. A unique molecule in the ShockBlockers Insert polymer causes this conversion. The resulting heat is then captured by the proprietary fabric upper-layer of the insole insert. This fabric is woven in such a way that it also captures perspiration. Both the heat and perspiration are wicked to the outer edges and released and dissipated through evaporation. An additional component of the fabric reduces friction between the foot and the insole insert."

ShockBlockers Impact Drop Testing

Impact drop tests were conducted on ShockBlockers Insole Inserts and leading brands of insoles with shock-absorbing properties. As shown in the table below, ShockBlockers Insole Inserts outperformed the competition in impact absorption tests. The results proved that ShockBlockers Insole Inserts offer 20% more shock absorption than the other leading insoles.

Impact Drop Test Results

ShockBlockers Inserts average Delta G's	106
All Other Insoles average Delta G's	134
ShockBlockers Inserts average Max +G's	87
All other insoles Max +G's	110

What do these numbers mean? The Delta G figures represent the difference between positive and negative rebounding. ShockBlockers Insole Inserts obtained the best performance with the lowest positive rebounding (Max +G's). Positive rebounding measures how many times gravity is multiplied during impact. In both cases, the lower the number, the better.

The bottom line: Oregon Aero ShockBlockers Inserts offer 20.6% more shock absorption than the other leading insoles.

ShockBlockers Independent Fabric Testing

Common complaints about insole inserts are that feet become hot, moist and uncomfortable. The ShockBlockers Insole Insert's fabric solves these problems through its combination of low-friction, high-wicking, and extremely durable textiles.

Independent Fabric Testing

Test #1 Martindale Abrasion*	Oregon Aero ShockBlockers Inserts Fabric	Minimum Recommendation for Demanding Usage
After 51,200 Dry Revolutions	No Wear	Moderate Wear
After 1.3 Million Dry Revolutions	Moderate Wear "Exceeds All Standards	n/a
After 12,800 Wet Revolutions	No Wear	Moderate Wear
After 25,600 Wet Revolutions	Very Slight Wear "Exceeds All Standards	n/a

* One "Revolution" = Machine passing back and forth on fabric.

Test #2 Permeability/Absorption	Oregon Aero ShockBlockers Inserts Fabric	Recommended
Water Vapor Permeability: (mg/sq. cm h)	7.6mg	Over 5.0mg for high performance
Lining absorption after 265 minutes	2.5mg	Less than 75mg after 265 minutes for optimum comfort
Lining absorption after 400 minutes	2.5mg	Less than 75mg after 265 minutes for optimum comfort
Hose absorption after 265 minutes	11mg	Less than 75mg after 265 minutes for optimum comfort
Hose absorption after 400 minutes	12mg	Less than 75mg after 265 minutes for optimum comfort

Test #3 Perspiration Fastness	Oregon Aero ShockBlockers Inserts Fabric	Minimum Recommended
To Acetate	4	2.5 on grey scale rating 1-5
To Cotton	5	2.5 on grey scale rating 1-5
To Nylon	4	2.5 on grey scale rating 1-5
To Polyester	5	2.5 on grey scale rating 1-5
To Acrylic	5	2.5 on grey scale rating 1-5
To Wood	4.5	2.5 on grey scale rating 1-5

Test #4 Wick Test	Oregon Aero ShockBlockers Inserts Fabric	SATRA Interpretation
3cm	Wick Time < 1 minute	"Excellent"
10cm	Wick Time < 15 minutes	"Excellent"

ShockBlockers Insole Inserts provide the best available shock absorption, flexibility, conformability, and abrasion resistance.