Clogs!

[Henry Law]

There's an interesting conversation going on in the Masters Rowing
International Facebook group on adjustable shoes. It has touched on a
number of related subjects, from which I gather (with great geezer
amusement) that there is now on the market what is effectively the kind
of clog that was in every boat when I learned to row in the late 60s.
http://ankaarowingshoes.com/flexi-feet-plasic-clogs-with-quick-release-safety-mechanism.html

Someone then asked whether this type of shoe/stretcher arrangement would
pass US rowing's safety inspection, because they require a "single pull
release" apparently (I haven't looked at their Rules of Racing).
Wouldn't it be ironic if what is absolutely the safest fitment for the
rower's feet failed inspection because it didn't have the one thing it
doesn't need - a release mechanism!

--
Henry Law n e w s @ l a w s h o u s e . o r g
Manchester, England

[Kit Davies]

I don't understand these. Do the heel-cups rise and fall with the heel?
If so, that would explain the heel restraints, but it means they aren't
clogs as I remember them, which had rigid soles and fixed heel cups.

If they ARE clogs and have rigid soles, why the heel restraints?

Or maybe the soles are semi-rigid, which might explain it I suppose.

My experience of clogs isn't particularly positive. ISTR my feet
slipping about a lot, and my heels falling out of the cups regularly,
though granted I never used them after about my 3rd year of rowing.

Kit

[Brian Chapman]

We have recreational boats fitted with similar clogs, but they do have the heel capture feature mentioned. The heel flexes, so needs a restraint. Even with the restraint they do not release the foot very well as the heel of the rowers shoe is in the heel capture slot ( the same type that is fitted to C2 ergs.) and unless the shoe is laced loosely the rower can be trapped in the boat.

[Roger Slaymaker]

US rules focus on heel restraints

3
-108 Footgear Release (*)
(a)
In all boats, the foot stretchers, shoes or other devices holding the feet of the Rowers shall be a
type which allows the Rowers to get clear of the boat with no delay.
(b)
Where shoes or other devices holding the feet will remain in the boat, each shoe or device shall
be independently restrained such that the heel will not lift more than three inches (7.5 cm) above
the foot board to which it is anchored.

[Mike De Petris]

https://active-tools.com/index.php/products/shoes-and-accessories

I'll never go back!

We row on the sea, salty water, wet, dry, chilly and hot conditions.
Active Tools shoes is the best and durable solution.

[sully]

On Monday, January 7, 2019 at 6:10:01 AM UTC-7, Henry Law wrote:
> There's an interesting conversation going on in the Masters Rowing
> International Facebook group on adjustable shoes. It has touched on a
> number of related subjects, from which I gather (with great geezer
> amusement) that there is now on the market what is effectively the kind
> of clog that was in every boat when I learned to row in the late 60s.
> http://ankaarowingshoes.com/flexi-feet-plasic-clogs-with-quick-release-safety-mechanism.html
>

This looks like one of my constructions. I obtained some old trainer singles that the previous owners had installed Concept II ergometer clogs. I took plastic heel cups and bolted them in right on top of the CII heel cup to replace the CII heel grip which are intended to use with shoes, and don't easily release. The plastic was flexible to raise with the CII heel grip, but once I put in the regular heel cup, it didn't matter, the heel would rise and not the shoe.

I don't particularly like it as the single strap doesn't really hold the foot that well, so there can be slippage, but it's good enough for learners, very safe, and a cheap solution for me as I'm funding all my single fleet.


Back in 'the day' clogs had a basic foot shape, curved rather than flat, and it was tied with shoe laces and leather tops. I don't ever remember my feet coming out. During my rowing career, some boats did convert to track shoes, and I liked them because they were "cool". Safety was not on the radar then.

For years I've been asserting moving back to clogs, but without evidence. My rowing partner from then who rowed a much longer career and very successful internationally told me that he felt the track shoe mounting was superior to clogs, felt more secure.

There are clogs and there are clogs. Some are terrible(like my hack), the old pocock clogs are great. Maas has very simple clogs, they do slip if you are trying to perform in them.

I bet there's a cool invention out there, a shoe that clips into a basic footboard that is yours only, fits you perfectly and releases easily with no need of hands. Sounds expensive!

[Chris A]

But these seem not to have heel restraint.

[Kit Davies]

"The Ankaa Flexis are fitted with heel restraints which allow for a
secure rowing experience. "

I assumed they do.

Kit