FORCE GENERATION AT THE GOLF SHOE SOLE TO GRASS TURF INTERFACE OCCURRING WITH ALTERNATIVE SPIKE DESIGNS.

Abstract

Forces were measured at the golf shoe sole to natural turf interface while eight low handicap golfers performed distance shots with a driver. Two types of golf shoe were worn. Forces were analysed using two Kistler force platforms and measures of maximum vertical force and the amount of force generated in the vertical, anterior and posterior, and medial-lateral planes showed similar values for the two shoes but with forces at the front foot greater than those for the back foot. At the back foot the torque (Tz) range generated was notably significantly greater at a mean 17.58 Nm for the shoe design based on 7 spikes than for the shoe design based on 6 spikes for which a mean Tz of 14.82 Nm was recorded (P<0.05). The rotational Tz force was similar at 42 Nm approximately for both the 7 and 6 spike shoe designs at the front foot.