Welcome to our Running Research Archives. This is our central resource center for scholarly work on running science, whether it's training, parts of the shoe, or injury-related. We seek to continue learning about new research being conducted on shoes today and bring the latest science to light through our work at Doctors of Running daily. Have a question or resource to contribute? Send us a message at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com to let us know.
General Heel Design/Shoe Rotation
Malisoux, L., Ramesh, J., Mann, R., Seil, R., Urhausen, A., &
Theisen, D. (2015). Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease
running-related injury risk?. Scandinavian journal of medicine &
science in sports, 25(1), 110–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12154
Burns, G. T., & Tam, N. (2020). Is it the shoes? A simple proposal for regulating footwear in road running. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(8), 439-440.
Daryabor, A., Saeedi, H., Ghasemi, M. S., Yazdani, M., Kamali, M., Nabavi, H., ... & Amini, N. (2016). Influence of heel design in an orthopedic shoe on ground reaction forces during walking. Prosthetics and orthotics international, 40(5), 598-605.
Burns, G. T., & Tam, N. (2020). Is it the shoes? A simple proposal for regulating footwear in road running. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(8), 439-440.
Daryabor, A., Saeedi, H., Ghasemi, M. S., Yazdani, M., Kamali, M., Nabavi, H., ... & Amini, N. (2016). Influence of heel design in an orthopedic shoe on ground reaction forces during walking. Prosthetics and orthotics international, 40(5), 598-605.
Biomechanics
Willy, R. W., & Paquette, M. R. (2019). The physiology and biomechanics of the master runner. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 27(1), 15-21.
Hoogkamer, W., Kipp, S. & Kram, R. (2019). The biomechanics of competitive male runners in three marathon racing shoes: a randomized crossover study. Sports Medicine, 49(1), 133-143
Lindorfer, J. Kroll, J. & Schwamender, K. Does enhanced footwear comfort affect oxygen consumption and running biomechanics? European Journal of Sports Science, 20, 468-476
TrainingHoogkamer, W., Kipp, S. & Kram, R. (2019). The biomechanics of competitive male runners in three marathon racing shoes: a randomized crossover study. Sports Medicine, 49(1), 133-143
Lindorfer, J. Kroll, J. & Schwamender, K. Does enhanced footwear comfort affect oxygen consumption and running biomechanics? European Journal of Sports Science, 20, 468-476
Seiler, Stephen. (2010). What is Best Practice for Training Intensity and Duration Distribution in Endurance Athletes?. International journal of sports physiology and performance. 5. 276-91. 10.1123/ijspp.5.3.276.
 |
| Adidas Adios 6. Extended torsion system provides some stiffness |
Shoe Stiffness/Carbon Fiber Plates
McLeod, Aubree & Hunter, Iain & Bruening, Dustin & Johnson, Aaron & Remund, Kirk. (2019). Running shoe optimal stiffness and speed. Footwear Science. 11. S207-S208. 10.1080/19424280.2019.1606336
Hebert-Losier, K., Finlayson, S., Driller, M., Dubois, B., Esculier J., & Beaven, C. (2020). Evidence of variable performance responses to the Nike 4% shoe: Definitely not a game-changer for all recreational runners. (Pre-Print).
Hunter, I., Mcleod, A., Valentine, D., Low, T., Ward, J., Hager, R. (2019). .Running economy, mechanics and marathon racing shoes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1-7.
Ortega, J.A., Healey, L.A., Swinnen, W. et al. Energetics and Biomechanics of Running Footwear with Increased Longitudinal Bending Stiffness: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 51, 873–894 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01406-5
Roy JP, Stefanyshyn DJ. Shoe midsole longitudinal bending stiffness and running economy, joint energy, and EMG. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006 Mar;38(3):562-9. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000193562.22001.e8. PMID: 16540846.
Cigoja, S., Asmussen, M. J., Firminger, C. R., Fletcher, J. R., Edwards, W. B., & Nigg, B. M. (2020). The effects of increased midsole bending stiffness of sport shoes on muscle-tendon unit shortening and shortening velocity: a randomised crossover trial in recreational male runners. Sports Medicine-Open, 6(1), 1-11.
Healey, L. A., & Hoogkamer, W. (2021). Longitudinal bending stiffness does not affect running economy in Nike Vaporfly Shoes. Journal of Sport and Health Science, S2095-2546(21)00073-9. Advance online publication.
McLeod, A. R., Bruening, D., Johnson, A. W., Ward, J., & Hunter, I. (2020). Improving running economy through altered shoe bending stiffness across speeds. Footwear Science, 12(2), 79-89.
Kulmala, J. P., Kosonen, J., Nurminen, J., & Avela, J. (2018). Running in highly cushioned shoes increases leg stiffness and amplifies impact loading. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1-7.
Oh, K., & Park, S. (2017). The bending stiffness of shoes is beneficial to running energetics if it does not disturb the natural MTP joint flexion. Journal of Biomechanics, 53, 127-135.
Nigg, B. M., & Liu, W. (1999). The effect of muscle stiffness and damping on simulated impact force peaks during running. Journal of Biomechanics, 32(8), 849-856.
Running Economy Studies
Joubert, D. P., & Jones, G. P. (2021). A Comparison of Running Economy Across Seven Carbon-Plated Racing Shoes. (Pre-Print).
Mcleod, A., Bruening, D., Johnson, A., Ward, J., Hunter, I. (2020). Improving running economy through altered shoe bending stiffness across speeds. Footwear Science, 1-11.
 |
| Saucony Omni 20. A medial posted shoe. |
Pronation
Nielsen, RO. (2013). Foot Pronation is not associated with increased injury risk in novice runners wearing a neutral shoe: a 1-year prospective cohort study. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 61(4).
Willems TM, Ley C, Goetghebeur E, Theisen D, Malisoux L. Motion-Control Shoes Reduce the Risk of Pronation-Related Pathologies in Recreational Runners: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Mar;51(3):135-143. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2021.9710. Epub 2020 Dec 11. PMID: 33306927.
Bolgla, L. A., & Malone, T. R. (2004). Plantar fasciitis and the windlass mechanism: a biomechanical link to clinical practice. Journal of athletic training, 39(1), 77.
Chen, T. L. W., Wong, D. W. C., Wang, Y., Lin, J., & Zhang, M. (2019). Foot arch deformation and plantar fascia loading during running with rearfoot strike and forefoot strike: a dynamic finite element analysis. Journal of biomechanics, 83, 260-272.
McDonald, K. A., Stearne, S. M., Alderson, J. A., North, I., Pires, N. J., & Rubenson, J. (2016). The role of arch compression and metatarsophalangeal joint dynamics in modulating plantar fascia strain in running. PloS one, 11(4), e0152602.
Welte, L., Kelly, L. A., Kessler, S. E., Lieberman, D. E., D'Andrea, S. E., Lichtwark, G. A., & Rainbow, M. J. (2021). The extensibility of the plantar fascia influences the windlass mechanism during human running. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 288(1943), 20202095.
Comfort Filter
Nigg, B., Baltich, J., Hoerzer, S., Enders, H. (2015). Running shoes and running injuries: mythbusting and a proposal for two new paradigms: 'preferred movement path' and 'comfort filter'. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(20).
Mündermann, A., Nigg, B. M., Stefanyshyn, D. J., & Humble, R. N. (2002). Development of a reliable method to assess footwear comfort during running. Gait & posture, 16(1), 38-45.
Menz, H. B., & Bonanno, D. R. (2021). Footwear comfort: a systematic search and narrative synthesis of the literature. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 14(1), 1-11
 |
| Hoka Bondi X. A max cushioned trainer for long days. |
Kulmala,
J. P., Kosonen, J., Nurminen, J., & Avela, J. (2018). Running in
highly cushioned shoes increases leg stiffness and amplifies impact
loading. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1-7.
Nigg, B. M., Baltich, J., Hoerzer, S., & Enders, H. (2015). Running shoes and running injuries: mythbusting and a proposal for two new paradigms:‘preferred movement path’and ‘comfort filter’. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(20), 1290-1294.
Ogston, J. K. (2019). Comparison of in-shoe plantar loading forces between minimalist and maximalist cushion running shoes. Footwear Science, 11(1), 55-61.
Theisen, D., Malisoux, L., Genin, J., Delattre, N., Seil, R., & Urhausen, A. (2014). Influence of midsole hardness of standard cushioned shoes on running-related injury risk. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(5), 371-376.
Pollard, C. D., Ter Har, J. A., Hannigan, J. J., & Norcross, M. F. (2018). Influence of maximal running shoes on biomechanics before and after a 5K run. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(6), 2325967118775720.
Baltich, J., Maurer, C., & Nigg, B. M. (2015). Increased vertical impact forces and altered running mechanics with softer midsole shoes. PloS One, 10(4), e0125196.
Kulmala, J. P., Kosonen, J., Nurminen, J., & Avela, J. (2018). Running in highly cushioned shoes increases leg stiffness and amplifies impact loading. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1-7.
Pollard, C. D., Ter Har, J. A., Hannigan, J. J., & Norcross, M. F. (2018). Influence of maximal running shoes on biomechanics before and after a 5K run. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(6), 2325967118775720
Nigg, B. M., Baltich, J., Hoerzer, S., & Enders, H. (2015). Running shoes and running injuries: mythbusting and a proposal for two new paradigms:‘preferred movement path’and ‘comfort filter’. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(20), 1290-1294.
Ogston, J. K. (2019). Comparison of in-shoe plantar loading forces between minimalist and maximalist cushion running shoes. Footwear Science, 11(1), 55-61.
Theisen, D., Malisoux, L., Genin, J., Delattre, N., Seil, R., & Urhausen, A. (2014). Influence of midsole hardness of standard cushioned shoes on running-related injury risk. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(5), 371-376.
Pollard, C. D., Ter Har, J. A., Hannigan, J. J., & Norcross, M. F. (2018). Influence of maximal running shoes on biomechanics before and after a 5K run. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(6), 2325967118775720.
Baltich, J., Maurer, C., & Nigg, B. M. (2015). Increased vertical impact forces and altered running mechanics with softer midsole shoes. PloS One, 10(4), e0125196.
Kulmala, J. P., Kosonen, J., Nurminen, J., & Avela, J. (2018). Running in highly cushioned shoes increases leg stiffness and amplifies impact loading. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1-7.
Pollard, C. D., Ter Har, J. A., Hannigan, J. J., & Norcross, M. F. (2018). Influence of maximal running shoes on biomechanics before and after a 5K run. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(6), 2325967118775720
Heel Flare
Queen, R. M. (2004). The effect of positive posterior heel flare on muscle activation, kinetics, and kinematics during running gait. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Rockers
Sobhani, S., van den Heuvel, E. R., Dekker, R., Postema, K., Kluitenberg, B., Bredeweg, S. W., & Hijmans, J. M. (2017). Biomechanics of running with rocker shoes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20(1), 38-44.
Sobhani, S., Zwerver, J., van den Heuvel, E., Postema, K., Dekker, R., & Hijmans, J. M. (2015). Rocker shoes reduce Achilles tendon load in running and walking in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18(2), 133-138.
 |
| Skechers MaxRoad 5. New upper steps up comfort generously. |
Shoe Uppers
Onodera, Andrea & Roveri, Maria & de Oliveira, Wagner & Sacco, Isabel. (2015). The influence of shoe upper construction on the plantar pressure distribution during running. Footwear Science. 7. S81-S82. 10.1080/19424280.2015.1038620.
Aging
Menant,
J. C., Steele, J. R., Menz, H. B., Munro, B. J., & Lord, S. R.
(2008). Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls.
 |
| Asics Nimbus Lite 3 contains gender specific designs. (See review for more info) |
Ferber, Reed & Davis, Irene
& Williams, D S. (2003). Gender differences in lower extremity
mechanics during running. Clinical biomechanics. 18. 350-7.
10.1016/S0268-0033(03)00025-1.
Hollander, K., Rahlf, A.L., Wilke, J. et al. (2021). Sex-Specific Differences in Running Injuries: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Sports Med. 51, 1011–1039. 10.1007/s40279-020-01412-7
Daniels, J., Daniels, N. (1992). Running economy of elite male and elite female runners. Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, 24(4): 483-489.
Jett, R., Chabra, S., and Carver, T. When to Share Product Platforms: An Anthropometric Review. https://specialized.picturepark.com/Go/drxAWjId/D/59574/1 . Accessed January 4, 2022.
Hollander, K., Rahlf, A.L., Wilke, J. et al. (2021). Sex-Specific Differences in Running Injuries: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Sports Med. 51, 1011–1039. 10.1007/s40279-020-01412-7
Daniels, J., Daniels, N. (1992). Running economy of elite male and elite female runners. Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, 24(4): 483-489.
Jett, R., Chabra, S., and Carver, T. When to Share Product Platforms: An Anthropometric Review. https://specialized.picturepark.com/Go/drxAWjId/D/59574/1 . Accessed January 4, 2022.
Foot Strikes
Hasegawa, H., Yamauchi, T., & Kraemer, W. J. (2007). Foot strike patterns of runners at the 15-km point during an elite-level half marathon. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 21(3), 888.
Kasmer, M. E., Liu, X. C., Roberts, K. G., & Valadao, J. M. (2013). Foot-strike pattern and performance in a marathon. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 8(3), 286-292.
Larson, P., Higgins, E., Kaminski, J., Decker, T., Preble, J., Lyons, D., ... & Normile, A. (2011). Foot strike patterns of recreational and sub-elite runners in a long-distance road race. Journal of sports sciences, 29(15), 1665-1673.
Barefoot Running/Minimal Movement
Hashish, R., Samarawickrame, S. D., Powers, C. M., & Salem, G. J. (2016). Lower limb dynamics vary in shod runners who acutely transition to barefoot running. Journal of Biomechanics, 49(2), 284-288.
Davis, I. S. (2014). The re-emergence of the minimal running shoe. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 44(10), 775-784.
Tempurature and Midsoles
Dib MY, Smith J, Bernhardt KA, Kaufman
KR, Miles KA. Effect of environmental temperature on shock absorption
properties of running shoes. Clin J Sport Med. 2005 May;15(3):172-6.
doi: 10.1097/01.jsm.0000165348.32767.32. PMID: 15867561.
Shariatmadari, Mohammad Reza, Russell English, and Glynn Rothwell. "Effects of temperature on the material characteristics of midsole and insole footwear foams subject to quasi-static compressive and shear force loading." Materials & Design 37 (2012): 543-559.
Shariatmadari, Mohammad Reza, Russell English, and Glynn Rothwell. "Effects of temperature on the material characteristics of midsole and insole footwear foams subject to quasi-static compressive and shear force loading." Materials & Design 37 (2012): 543-559.
Muscles
Neumann, D. A. (2016). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system-e-book: foundations for rehabilitation. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Azadinia, F., Takamjani, E. E., Kamyab, M., Parnianpour, M., Cholewicki, J., & Maroufi, N. (2017). Can lumbosacral orthoses cause trunk muscle weakness? A systematic review of literature. The Spine Journal, 17(4), 589-602.
Lynn., S., Padilla, R., Tsang, K. (2012). Differences in Static and Dynamic Balance Task Performance After 4 weeks of intrinsic foot muscle training: the Short Foot Exercise Veruss the Towel Curl Exercise. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 21: 327-333.
Sahrmann S. Movement System Impairment Syndrome of the Extremities, Cervical and Thoracic Spines. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc; 2011.
Hoitz F, Vienneau J, Nigg BM (2020). Influence of running shoes on muscle activity. PLOS ONE 15(10): e0239852. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239852
 |
| New Balance Vongo v5. Motion control can relieve some achilles pain. |
Hamner, S. R., Seth, A., & Delp, S. L. (2010). Muscle contributions to propulsion and support during running. Journal of Biomechanics, 43(14), 2709-2716.
Lagas, I. F., Fokkema, T., Verhaar, J. A., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M., van Middelkoop, M., & de Vos, R. J. (2020). Incidence of Achilles tendinopathy and associated risk factors in recreational runners: A large prospective cohort study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23(5), 448-452.
Lieberthal, K., Paterson, K. L., Cook, J., Kiss, Z., Girdwood, M., & Bradshaw, E. J. (2019). Prevalence and factors associated with asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology in male distance runners. Physical Therapy in Sport, 39, 64-68.
Sobhani, S., Zwerver, J., van den Heuvel, E., Postema, K., Dekker, R., & Hijmans, J. M. (2015). Rocker shoes reduce Achilles tendon load in running and walking in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18(2), 133-138.
Lagas, I. F., Fokkema, T., Verhaar, J. A., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M., van Middelkoop, M., & de Vos, R. J. (2020). Incidence of Achilles tendinopathy and associated risk factors in recreational runners: A large prospective cohort study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23(5), 448-452.
Lieberthal, K., Paterson, K. L., Cook, J., Kiss, Z., Girdwood, M., & Bradshaw, E. J. (2019). Prevalence and factors associated with asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology in male distance runners. Physical Therapy in Sport, 39, 64-68.
Sobhani, S., Zwerver, J., van den Heuvel, E., Postema, K., Dekker, R., & Hijmans, J. M. (2015). Rocker shoes reduce Achilles tendon load in running and walking in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18(2), 133-138.
Hallux
Boissonnault, W., & Donatelli, R. (1984). The influence of hallux extension on the foot during ambulation. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 5(5), 240-242.
Studies on Backpacks
Faghy,
M. A., & Brown, P. I. (2016). Training the inspiratory muscles
improves running performance when carrying a 25 kg thoracic load in a
backpack. European journal of sport science, 16(5), 585-594.
Huang, L., Yang, Z., Wang, R., & Xie, L. (2020).
Physiological and biomechanical effects on the human musculoskeletal system while carrying a suspended-load backpack. Journal of Biomechanics, 108, 109894. Malcolm, P., Panizzolo, F. A., Speeckaert, J., Kim, J., Su, H., Lee, G., ... & Walsh, C. J. (2017).
Effect of slope and speed on kinetics of jogging with a backpack. In Proc. 41st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB). Scheer, V., Cramer, L., & Heitkamp, H. C. (2018).
Running economy and energy cost of running with backpacks. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 59(4), 555-560.
Physiological and biomechanical effects on the human musculoskeletal system while carrying a suspended-load backpack. Journal of Biomechanics, 108, 109894. Malcolm, P., Panizzolo, F. A., Speeckaert, J., Kim, J., Su, H., Lee, G., ... & Walsh, C. J. (2017).
Effect of slope and speed on kinetics of jogging with a backpack. In Proc. 41st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB). Scheer, V., Cramer, L., & Heitkamp, H. C. (2018).
Running economy and energy cost of running with backpacks. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 59(4), 555-560.
