Biomechanical Tradeoffs in Foot Function From Variations in Shoe Design

Abstract

There is debate and confusion over how to evaluate the biomechanical effects of running shoe design. Here, we use an evolutionary perspective to analyze how key design features of running shoes alter the evolved biomechanics of the foot, creating a range of tradeoffs in force production and transmission that may affect performance and vulnerability to injury.

In Brief

An evolutionary perspective on running shoe and foot biomechanics reveals tradeoffs in force production and transmission that may affect performance and vulnerability to injury.