In situ evaluation of the cushioning characteristics of different sport shoe midsoles

International audienceThe capacity of sport shoe midsoles to attenuate impact during ground contact has been largely studied for activities such as walking and running. However, shoe midsoles have also a key impact in more jumping and landing sports like volleyball or basketball for example. Only few data are available concerning shock transmission and reduction throughout this kind of activities. The aim of this study is to compare three sport shoe midsole capacities during different dynamical tasks (Squat Jump, Drop Jump and Landing Test). We analyzed the cushionning capacities of midsoles in three different footwear conditions by comparing dynamical data from a Pedar System (foot/midsole forces) and from a force plate (midsole/ground forces). The results showed that sport shoe midsoles have different dynamical absorption capacities at the backfoot during leaving the ground and landing phases (