use of prosthetic devices such as those used by paralympic runners Oscar Pistorius or Jonnie Peacock. Moon shoes and PyonPyon jumpers are earlier attempts at jumping shoes using a different technique. Some are still popular today. There is a Swiss product 'Kangoo Jumps', with cantilever springs under the shoes, which is promoted more for fitness than large leaps. Rocket boots were designed in the 1970s for the Russian Army, and use combustion pistons rather than springs for a similar effect. Similar devices are attached to the boots of Chell (the protagonist) in the Portal video game series for the purpose of surviving long falls, though such devices might not actually work in real life. An English folklore figure, spring-heeled Jack, has been conjectured by some investigators to have been a prankster using spring-loaded leaping aids as early as 1837. Spring stilts using steel coil springs, an antecedent of the pogo stick, were attempted in the 19th century. References External links Description of the PowerBockingdevice DoesWhat Powerizers Pro Jump video Google Patent for the original PowerSkip, by Alexander Boeck Image of man powerbocking on BBC w3BBO Bockipedia - The Bocking Encyclopedia Welsh Bockers - jumping stilts club based in Cardiff, UK Human-powered vehicles Sports footwear