Rowing clubs dealing with chronic shoe replacement costs have a practical fix available in the BAT Logic Quick Release System, a clip-in footstretcher setup that works on a similar principle to a bicycle shoe clipping into a pedal.
The system centres on two components. The BAT Logic BasePlate functions as the fixed "pedal" installed in the boat, priced at $22 excl GST each. Athletes then attach a ShoePlate ($65 excl GST each) to their own rowing shoe of choice. Each rower uses footwear that fits them properly and can take it home to dry, rather than sharing club shoes that deteriorate quickly and can spread conditions like athlete's foot, toenail fungus, and warts.
West End Rowing Club has been running the system since 2018. Club Captain David Vallance says: "We'd long struggled with our shoe replacement costs which were $5000 per year. BAT Logic has reduced our costs for shoe replacement and people take better care of their shoes now as their own property. It's an overall positive cost saving and switching to BAT Logic has improved not only the comfort of our rowers, but their performance through enhanced leg muscle use, improved power and increased efficiency."
There is also competitive data behind the case for properly fitting footwear. Aotearoa Boat Company Director Nick Dawe has been involved with the BAT Logic system since 2016 as both a rower and coach, and describes testing carried out with a single sculler ahead of a major championship.
"In 2019 I was working with a very talented single sculler who was aiming to gain significant speed. In the final weeks leading up to the championship we were looking into ways we could improve his performance in a relatively short amount of time. Normally you wouldn't want to change your equipment weeks from a major regatta so we had some independent testing done to make sure any changes were worth it. We tested some equipment options to see if there was something he was missing. After several days of testing we found some staggering results around footwear. The best combination was the BAT Logic system (also designed with wedges to promote better foot force production) and a pair of Bont Shoes that fit the rower perfectly. The data showed a major increase in effective length. With a few rigging adjustments to compensate, an already great sculler was moving the boat even better and went on to win a gold medal. I have been a huge advocate for properly fitting rowing shoes ever since."
The one-time setup cost compares favourably with ongoing shoe replacement bills that can otherwise run to thousands of dollars a season.
