Rearfoot Motion and Torsion in Running: The Effects of Upper Vamp Stabilizers

Abstract

In this paper the changes produced in the kinematics of the foot during running when the upper vamp design of the shoes is modified are studied. Ten marathon runners who presented overpronation were selected, and five prototypes of running shoes, incorporating several rearfoot control features, were specially designed for the study. The rear plane of the lower leg was filmed at high speed during treadmill running while subjects wore the prototypes. Variables referring to maximum angles of rearfoot eversion and torsion were found to be more sensitive to changes introduced in the sport shoes than variables corresponding to ranges of motion. Statistically significant differences were found between prototypes during the support phase in rearfoot motion and torsion. In general the prototypes that showed an increase in rearfoot control also showed a decrease in torsion.