The design and development of aquatic exercise shoe flaps

Abstract

A foam structure that is attached to the bottom of a shoe worn while exercising in the water was designed, developed, and prototyped. The structure freely bends downward so as to provide little resistance when the foot is raised, but is resistant to bending upward when the foot is pressed down, thereby increasing resistance and enhancing the in-water exercise effect. The structure is called AquaFlaps. Several sketch models were made in the development of the idea leading to several foam prototypes created using the water jet. Testing of these models and prototypes yielded useful data which helped towards the final design. Testing also demonstrated that the product achieves the desired results. A provisional patent was filed.