The Biomechanical and Functional Effects of Running Shoe Design on

Injury PreventionBen Greenwood

Introduction

Running shoe performance and biomechanical research – a brief history.

What are the important features of a running shoe in regards to injury prevention?

Which running shoe material provides optimum health and exercise performance?

A Brief History into Running Shoe Performance and Biomechanical Research

Studies relating to running performance have been ongoing since the 1930’s.

James and Brubaker (1973) Clement and Taunton (1980)

The progression of running shoe design between 1852 and the modern day.

The contribution of Adolf Dassler in 1926 (Davis, 2014) The emergence of the first scientifically tested running shoe in 1962.

What are the important features of a running shoe in regards to injury prevention?

Heel CounterStack Height

Collar

MidsoleOutsole

Tongue

Toe box

Space Trusstic

What are the important features of a running shoe in regards to injury prevention?

AdvantagesHeel Counter The heel counter has an important role in controlling excessive calcaneous

eversion during running motion (Nishiwaki and Nonogawa, 2015). The use of a rigid heel counter will aid the correction of overpronation and

will therefore reduce the risk of Achilles tendon injuries (Dubin, 2006). Midsole The midsole of the shoe provides cushioning to dampen the impact forces

placed upon the joints of the lower extremity (McPoll, 2000).Outsole The outsole of the shoe enhances the ductility of the material and

increases the energy-return effect of the material after the push-off phase when running (Chen et al, 2014).

What are the important features of a running shoe in regards to injury prevention?

Disadvantages

References

Chen, C. Tu, K. Liu, C. Shiang, T. (2014) Effects of forefoot bending elasticity of running shoes on gait and running performance. Elsevier, pp. 163-169.

Clement, D. Taunton, J. (1980) A guide to the prevention of running injuries. College of Family Physicians of Canada. pp. 543-548.

Davis, I. (2014) The re-emergence of the minimal running shoe. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. pp. 755-782.

Dubin, J. (2006) Evidence based treatment for Achilles tendon injuries. Sports Therapy. pp. 1-4.

James, S. Brubaker, C. (1973) Biomechanical and neuromuscular aspects of running. Exercise and Sport Science Reviews. pp. 200-204.

McPoll, T. (2000) Athletic footwear: design, performance and selection issues. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. pp. 260-265.

Nishiwaki, T. Nonogawa, M. (2015) Application of topological optimization technique to running shoe designing. Elsevier. pp. 314 – 319.