They were the big hit from shoemaker Eugen Brütting from Upper Franconia: running shoes called “Roadrunner.” He developed the shoe in the late 1960s together with New Zealand runner and long-distance coach Arthur Lydiard.

The special success of the “Roadrunner,” made of suede leather, was due to its cushioning midsole consisting of three layers of rubber. This made it particularly suitable for wearing on paved paths and hard surfaces.


Thanks to its excellent shock absorption, it became the shoe of choice for an entire generation of runners: discus thrower and world record holder Liesel Westermann wore the shoe, as did Bernd Kannenberg, who won gold in the 50-kilometer walk at the 1972 Olympic Games. The shoe, which is still largely handmade, is still worn today, less for sports than for everyday use.

In the video:
Markus Werner, Product Development/Design, A.W. SCHÜRR GmbH

Credits:
Author: Wolfgang Dürr
Camera: Lars Reuther
Sound: Paul Heydecke
Editing: Michael Strobel
Graphics: Katharina Flamm
Editor: Rolf Hüffer
Social media editor: Land und Leute RP Online