CAN RUNNERS PERCEIVE CHANGES IN HEEL CUSHIONING AS THE SHOE AGES WITH INCREASED MILEAGE?
Mark W Cornwall1, Thomas G McPoil2
1Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
|September 14, 2017
Summary
Runners with a rearfoot strike pattern experience significant midsole cushioning loss after 480 km, but cannot self-report it. A durometer accurately measures this cushioning degradation in running shoes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Footwear Engineering
Background:
- Running shoe midsole heel cushioning deteriorates with increased mileage.
- Rearfoot strike pattern runners are particularly susceptible to midsole wear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess runners' self-perception of midsole cushioning changes.
- Quantify changes in heel pressure, force, and midsole hardness after 640 km of running.
- Evaluate the clinical utility of a durometer for measuring midsole hardness.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 15 recreational rearfoot strike runners.
- Utilized Footwear Comfort Assessment Tool (FCAT), in-shoe capacitance sensors, and a Shore A durometer.
- Measurements taken at baseline and after 160, 320, 480, and 640 km of running.
Main Results:
- Plantar pressures and vertical forces in the heel region significantly reduced.
- No significant self-reported reduction in cushioning by runners based on FCAT scores.
- Durometer measurements objectively confirmed midsole hardness reduction, correlating with pressure and force changes.
Conclusions:
- Rearfoot strikers experience 16-33% midsole heel cushioning reduction after 480 km.
- Runners could not reliably self-perceive cushioning loss even after 640 km.
- Durometer offers a reliable clinical method for assessing midsole hardness changes in running shoes.
