Running is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise and is a great way to shed some unwanted pounds. But as good as it can be it’s not without its risks. Due to the high impact nature of running, most serious runners will suffer a running related injury (usually to knees or joints) at some point in their training. So when we saw the KanGoo Jumps advertised on TV as a way to reduce impact by almost 80%, we just had to jump at the chance to check them out.

The Claim

World’s Lowest Impact Shoe

Purposes

  • Jogging
  • Home Fitness
  • Cross Training
  • Rehabilitation
  • Group Fitness
  • Dancing

    Cost: $299

    Expert Opinion

    Top sports medicine specialist, Dr. Jack Taunton found they do in fact make things easier on you knees and other joints. He said that research conducted in Switzerland actually proved they limited the amount of ground reactive force by 40 – 50%.

    Dr. Taunton conducted a study with novice runners wearing the KanGoos and a regular walk/run group wearing traditional running shoes. There were no reported injuries with the KanGoo group. But of those in the walk/run group, 40% experienced an injury that put them out for a week.

    How They Worked

    They strapped on like roller blades and their larger boot made them quite a bit heavier than the average running shoe. Instead of wheels attached to the boot they have springs that give them a bounce that helps to propel you as well as absorb some of the impact.

    On The Track
    When we hit the running track with the KanGoos we found it a little hard to run in them due mostly to the extra weight – but they were fun.

    Tougher Terrain
    On a forest trail regular running shoes would definitely be easier. With many rocks and roots it was a little harder to negotiate a safe path in our KanGoos.

    Pavement
    On flatter surfaces it was easier to run in the KanGoo Jumps and we could tell there was less impact on our joints.

    After Effects

    When we took the boots off, our feet had that same feel after wearing roller blades – they were glad to be out. We both thought the boots were slightly uncomfortable - be sure to wear proper socks!

    Keeping the Bounce

    The springs in the KanGoos are said to last for about 60 hours of use. Then you’ll need to replace the springs at $30 a pop.

    The Shopping Bags Rating

    We quite enjoyed testing the KanGoo Jumps. On the minus side, the boots were heavy, a tad cumbersome and not as comfy as regular running shoes. You also look pretty funny bounding around. Plus at almost $300 – they’re kind of pricey.

    On the plus side, the extra weight on your feet seems to provide a better workout than plain old running. Plus, the boots greatly reduce the impact, putting less strain on your knees and joints while still giving you a great workout.

    Overall, we give the KanGoos 4 Shopping Bags out of 5.