The Physics of Tightrope Walking

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Friction

The footwear used for regular tightrope walking is usually tight leather shoes. This is instead of walking barefoot, which is normally used for slacklining. The point is to maximize friction and flexibility of the foot to form around the rope or line. Leather shoes are used because it is as close as possible to barefoot for flexibility and friction, as well as decreasing the pain and bruising that barefoot walking may cause.

Sky Walker

 

 
Background
Physics Involved
Center of Mass
Rotational Inertia and Angular Acceleration
Friction
Bibliography