Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk

Abstract Recent footwear technology has led to the development of technologically advanced running shoes (TARS), which improve running performance. However, the effect of TARS on biomechanical risk factor remains unclear. This study compares the effects of TARS with those of conventional cushioned s...

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Main Authors: Hyunji Kim, Jooeun Ahn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03029-0
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author Hyunji Kim
Jooeun Ahn
author_facet Hyunji Kim
Jooeun Ahn
author_sort Hyunji Kim
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Recent footwear technology has led to the development of technologically advanced running shoes (TARS), which improve running performance. However, the effect of TARS on biomechanical risk factor remains unclear. This study compares the effects of TARS with those of conventional cushioned shoes (CON) and minimalist shoes (MIN) on running biomechanics and biomechanical risk factors. We recruited 15 recreational runners, measured their ventilation threshold speeds and habitual strike angles, collected kinematic data and ground reaction forces across shoe conditions, and estimated joint reaction force and muscle force through inverse dynamic analysis. Results show that TARS significantly alter landing patterns by shifting runners toward a forefoot/midfoot strike patterns (mean strike angle decreased by 4.17° compared to CON) and reducing subtalar eversion during loading phase. While MIN increase peak ankle joint reaction force by 3.07 body weight (BW) compared to CON, TARS reduce it by 1.84 BW. TARS also decrease peak soleus and peroneus longus forces by 1.10 BW and 0.43 BW respectively, without increasing demands on any joint. These results suggest that TARS provide distinct biomechanical characteristics that reduce certain mechanical loads associated with running injuries. Our findings further suggest a need for reevaluating footwear classification methods and embracing technological advancements in running shoe design for potentially safer and more efficient running.
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spelling doaj-art-29e8e1e6767a4d6eb34fdc116ce6401c2025-08-20T03:31:45ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-03029-0Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury riskHyunji Kim0Jooeun Ahn1Department of Physical Education, Seoul National UniversityDepartment of Physical Education, Seoul National UniversityAbstract Recent footwear technology has led to the development of technologically advanced running shoes (TARS), which improve running performance. However, the effect of TARS on biomechanical risk factor remains unclear. This study compares the effects of TARS with those of conventional cushioned shoes (CON) and minimalist shoes (MIN) on running biomechanics and biomechanical risk factors. We recruited 15 recreational runners, measured their ventilation threshold speeds and habitual strike angles, collected kinematic data and ground reaction forces across shoe conditions, and estimated joint reaction force and muscle force through inverse dynamic analysis. Results show that TARS significantly alter landing patterns by shifting runners toward a forefoot/midfoot strike patterns (mean strike angle decreased by 4.17° compared to CON) and reducing subtalar eversion during loading phase. While MIN increase peak ankle joint reaction force by 3.07 body weight (BW) compared to CON, TARS reduce it by 1.84 BW. TARS also decrease peak soleus and peroneus longus forces by 1.10 BW and 0.43 BW respectively, without increasing demands on any joint. These results suggest that TARS provide distinct biomechanical characteristics that reduce certain mechanical loads associated with running injuries. Our findings further suggest a need for reevaluating footwear classification methods and embracing technological advancements in running shoe design for potentially safer and more efficient running.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03029-0FootwearRunningRunning related injuryMusculoskeletal modeling
spellingShingle Hyunji Kim
Jooeun Ahn
Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
Scientific Reports
Footwear
Running
Running related injury
Musculoskeletal modeling
title Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
title_full Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
title_fullStr Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
title_full_unstemmed Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
title_short Technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
title_sort technologically advanced running shoes reduce biomechanical factors of running related injury risk
topic Footwear
Running
Running related injury
Musculoskeletal modeling
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03029-0
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AT jooeunahn technologicallyadvancedrunningshoesreducebiomechanicalfactorsofrunningrelatedinjuryrisk