A Biomechanical Investigation of Athletic Footwear Traction Performance: Integration of Gait Analysis with Computational Simulation

Evaluations are vital to quantify the functionalities of athletic footwear, such as the performance of slip resistance, shock absorption, and rebound. Computational technology has progressed to become a promising solution for accelerating product development time and providing customized products in order to keep up with the competitive contemporary footwear market. In this research, the effects of various tread pattern designs on traction performance in a normal gait were analyzed by employing an approach that integrated computational simulation and gait analysis. A state-of-the-art finite element (FE) model of a shoe was developed by digital sculpting technology. A dynamic plantar pressure distribution was automatically applied to interpret individualized subject conditions. The traction performance and real contact area between the shoe and the ground during the gait could be characterized and predicted. The results suggest that the real contact area and the structure of the outsole tread design influence the traction performance of the shoe in dry conditions. This computational process is more efficient than mechanical tests in terms of both cost and time, and it could bring a noticeable benefit to the footwear industry in the early design phases of product development.