INTERACTION BETWEEN THE MIDSOLE AND PLATE IN RUNNING SHOES MODIFIES THE ENERGY STRATEGY OF THE MTP JOINT DURING RUNNING

Authors

Soo-ji Han, Pukyong National UniversityFollow
Jusung Lee, Human Performance Laboratory, Descente Footwear R&D CenterFollow
Sanghyuk Han, Human Performance Laboratory, Descente Footwear R&D CenterFollow
Seongjun Kim, Human Performance Laboratory, Descente Footwear R&D CenterFollow
JongChul Park, Pukyong National UniversityFollow

Category

Technology/equipment

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

This study investigated biomechanical differences of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint according to midsole materials (EVA, PEBA) and carbon plate insertion. Ten male runners performed overground running at 3.89 m/s (±5%) under four footwear conditions. Discrete outcome variables included active and critical stiffness (Kactive, Kcr), push-off time, peak propulsion force, and MTP power transition timing, while statistical nonparametric mapping (SnPM) was applied to joint power. PEBA without a plate did not provide a propulsion advantage but reduced energy loss and enabled more effective joint control than EVA. In contrast, the addition of a plate to EVA facilitated a faster roll-off with reductions in both negative and positive joint power. Meanwhile, combining high-rebound PEBA with a stiff plate produced detrimental effects on the MTP joint, potentially increasing injury risk. These findings highlight the biomechanical relevance of material–structure interactions in determining running efficiency and propulsion strategies.

Recommended Citation

Han, Soo-ji; Lee, Jusung; Han, Sanghyuk; Kim, Seongjun; and Park, JongChul (2025) "INTERACTION BETWEEN THE MIDSOLE AND PLATE IN RUNNING SHOES MODIFIES THE ENERGY STRATEGY OF THE MTP JOINT DURING RUNNING," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 43: Iss. 1, Article 30.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol43/iss1/30