USING IMPACT TESTING METHOD TO ESTIMATE THE ENERGY ABSORBED BY INSOLES IN SPORTS SHOES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to estimate the energy absorbed by insoles in typical sports shoes with impact testing method. Three commercial sports shoe were used in this study. Totally eight impacts with 1.8 to 6.1 joules of potential energy were performed onto the heel region of the shoe. Peak acceleration of the striker was measured with accelerometer attached to the striker during impact. According to the linear regression equations between mean peak acceleration and impact energy for without and with insole conditions, the energy absorbed by insole under different impact energy (2-6 joule) was c.alculated'. The new approach carried out in this study to calculate the energy absorbed by insoles could assess the role of insoles in the cushioning property of sports shoes.