Effects of a Curved Heel Shape in a Running Shoe on Biomechanical Variables and Comfort

Abstract

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a rounded heel shoe (RHS) and rounded lateral heel shoe (RLHS) on impact and lower extremity stability as well as their relationships with comfort during running. (2) Methods: Twenty healthy male adults participated in the study. The data were collected using eight infrared cameras while participants were running at a speed of 2.7 m/s in three shoe conditions on an instrumented treadmill. (3) Results: The peak vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF) was statistically smaller for the RHS and RLHS compared with the normal shoes (NS) (p < 0.05). The range of motion of inversion–eversion at the ankle joint was statistically smaller for the RLHS compared with the NS and RHS (p < 0.05). Increased dorsiflexion of the ankle joint at heel contact was negatively related to the comfort of a running shoe, and increased dorsi-plantarflexion ROM was positively related to comfort. (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, a curved heel shape of a running shoe may provide a positive influence on the biomechanical function and the comfort of running shoes. Future study, including measurements of lower extremity muscle activations and long-term comfort, would be beneficial to help validate current findings and develop further applications.