Shoe preference based on subjective comfort for walking and running
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at El Paso, TX, USA. venikong@yahoo.com
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|November 19, 2010
Summary
Most individuals prefer cushioning or lightweight shoe models for walking and running, with many finding comfort in the same shoe for both activities. Sex influences footwear preferences, with women favoring lightweight and men favoring cushioning or stability models.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Footwear Technology
Background:
- Subjective comfort is a critical factor in designing effective footwear and orthoses.
- Understanding user preferences is key to optimizing shoe design for different activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare footwear preferences for walking versus running based on subjective comfort.
- To identify specific shoe model preferences for distinct physical activities.
Main Methods:
- Forty-one participants evaluated three footwear types: cushioning, lightweight, and stability.
- Participants performed 20 walking and 20 running trials in each shoe type.
- Subjective comfort was the primary outcome measure for preference selection for each activity.
Main Results:
- The cushioning and lightweight shoe models were preferred over the stability model for both walking and running.
- No significant differences in preference were found between walking and running, or based on running experience or body mass.
- Women showed a higher preference for lightweight shoes, while men favored cushioning and stability models.
Conclusions:
- Individual footwear preferences differ and are influenced by sex.
- A majority of individuals can comfortably use the same shoe model for both walking and running.
