Evolution of the In-Shoe Temperature during Walking and Running

R. Taiar, M. Rebay (France), G. Vannozzi, G. Sanna, and A. Cappozzo (Italy)

Keywords

Walking, race, biomechanics, in-shoe temperature, plantar pressure

Abstract

Regarding a conception of a new sport shoe, the study of the foot-shoe heating constitutes an important step in the study of the thermal comfort and of the athletic performances. Indeed, the friction of the foot on the ground produces heat and induces a non-homogenous elevation of the temperature in the foot. This elevation varies accordingly to the movement and to the capacity of the shoe to evacuate the heat. In order to evaluate the in shoe local heating and its connection with the local friction, we devised an experimental set-up aimed at analysing the temperature and the plantar pressures evolutions during race with two velocities: low and high. The temperatures are measured in 3 points between the rubber and the leather soles of the shoes with miniature K-thermocouples: the heel, the plantar-arch and the plantar foot. The relevant temporal trends are given during initial standing, race and final standing during the runner recuperation phase. Results showed that during walking, the temperature of the heel has a more important evolution that the 2 other zones. On the other hand, during the race, the plantar of the foot is more solicited. This result is due to the kinematics variation of the movement.

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