Influence of Heel Flare and Midsole Construction on Pronation Supination and Impact Forces for Heel-Toe Running

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of lateral heel flare on pronation, external impact forces, and takeoff supination for different midsole constructions. Data were collected using force platforms and high-speed film cameras. Fourteen male subjects participated in the study, running heel-toe at a speed of 4 m/s. The analysis of kinetic and kinematic variables showed that changes in lateral heel flare of 16°, 0°, and a rounded heel can be used to influence initial pronation during heel-toe running. It could be shown that changes in lateral heel flare do not have a relevant influence on changes in total and/or maximal pronation. Changes in lateral heel flare do have an effect on vertical impact force peaks if the midsole is relatively hard but not if the midsole is relatively soft. Based on the present study, a running shoe with a relatively hard midsole material and a neutral flare would have low initial pronation values and low vertical impact force peaks.