CUSHIONING PROPERTIES OF SHOE-SURFACE INTERFACES IN DIFFERENT IMPACT ENERGIES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cushioning properties of the various shoesurface interfaces in different impact energies. Five shoe-surface conditions were tested in twelve different impact energies (3.19~6.67 joule). Results showed that higher impact energy increased the peak inertial force in each condition. Larger peak inertial forces were found in C1 (polyurethane only) and C5 (asphalt+shoe2) conditions. In low impact energy, the peak inertial forces were similar in C2 (polyurethane+shoe1), C3 (polyurethane+shoe2) and C4 (Asphalt+shoe1) conditions. The peak forces in C3 or C4 were larger than C2 in high impact energy. It was concluded that people ought to choose at least a well-cushioned shoe or surface when doing low impact energy activities, such as walking or jogging, and must choose both well-cushioned shoe and surface when doing high impact energy activities.