Prophylactic Body-Loading Suit Boots

Prophylactic Body-Loading Suit Boots

Boots used with the Prophylactic Body-Load Suit, often referred to as a ‘Penguin' Suit. 'Penguin' suits were worn by cosmonauts on the Mir space station for two hours a day as part of the exercise regime.

Humans have evolved to live with gravity. In orbit, astronauts/cosmonauts are in a microgravity environment - floating about in weightlessness. Exercise and use of equipment like the 'Penguin' Suit, helps to keep blood flowing to the extremities, stop bones degrading, and prevent muscle wastage. The suit is elasticated and weighted and has foot stirrups - all of which help impart forces on the wearer to simulate the effect gravity has on the body whilst exercising here on Earth. The suits are commonly referred to as ‘Penguin’ suits, as during testing under Earth’s gravity the wearer waddles like a penguin - due to the weights, pulley systems, and elasticated materials that restrict motion whilst wearing the suit.

Whilst in space, astronauts/cosmonauts rarely wear shoes - as they use their hands to move themselves about as they float. However, boots were needed for the 'Penguin' suit, as the wearer could strap themselves down to running machines or exercise bikes - making it necessary to wear comfortable solid footwear.