Shoe feature recommendations for different running levels: A Delphi study.
Eric C Honert1, Maurice Mohr1,2, Wing-Kai Lam3,4,5
1Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Plos One
|July 17, 2020
Summary
Footwear experts reached consensus on key running shoe features and runner levels. This study provides a foundation for designing better running footwear to improve comfort and reduce injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Footwear Engineering
Background:
- Matching running footwear to individual needs can enhance comfort, performance, and injury prevention.
- Current knowledge gaps exist regarding how footwear experts select shoe features for different runner levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define different runner levels based on expert consensus.
- To identify important running footwear features and their properties.
- To establish guidelines for prescribing footwear features to various runner levels.
Main Methods:
- A three-round Delphi study involving 24 experienced academics, journalists, coaches, bloggers, and physicians.
- Experts refined definitions of runner levels and evaluated 20 footwear features.
- Consensus was sought on feature importance and prescription for different runner profiles.
Main Results:
- Consensus was achieved on definitions for three distinct runner levels.
- Experts identified 12 of 20 proposed footwear features as important for design.
- Agreement was reached on the application of five specific features (upper breathability, forefoot bending stiffness, heel-to-toe drop, torsional bending stiffness, crash pad) across all runner levels.
Conclusions:
- This study provides expert consensus on running footwear features and runner categorization.
- Recommendations offer a basis for future biomechanical research, particularly for features lacking experimental investigation.
- The findings can guide the development of more effective and personalized running footwear.
