The act of powerbocking is jumping and running with elastic-like spring-loaded stilts. For some it is an extreme sport, for others it is a form of exercise or even a means of artistic expression. The use of the stilts to perform extreme jumping, running and acrobatics is known as 'Bocking' or 'PowerBocking' after the inventor.[1] The stilts themselves are often referred to generically as bocks or powerbocks, or by their brand name.
Each boot consists of a foot-plate with snowboard type bindings, rubber foot pad which is also commonly called a hoof, and a fibreglass leaf spring. Using only their weight, and few movements, the user is generally able to jump 3–5 ft (1–1.5 metres) off the ground and run up to 20 mph (32 km/h). They also give the ability to take up to 9-foot (2.7 metres) strides.[2]
Jumping stilts were used in the closing ceremony of the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.[3]
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They were originally patented by Alexander Böck, from Germany (European Patent EP 1 196 220 B1 on July 2, 2003, US Patent No. 6,719,671 B1 on April 13, 2004, both with a priority date of July 20, 1999), as Powerskip. Generically these are referred to as "power stilts", "jumping stilts", or "spring stilts". Amongst hobbyists, they are referred to as powerbocks, ("bocks" for short), in honor of the inventor. In the Southern hemisphere, they are referred to as Kangaroo Boots because of their resemblance to the legs of the animal. Many people also use common brand names to refer to them generically[4]
Though similar in appearance, powerbocking is not to be confused with the use of prosthetic devices such as those used by paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius, the "Blade Runner".
Moon shoes and Kangoo jumps are earlier attempts at jumping shoes using a different technique. Some are still popular today.
Similar devices are attached to the protagonist's feet in the Portal series.
Air-Trekkers Jumping-Stilts Powerisers Product details Cool Running Engine Powerbocking EU Benefits
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