FEET BIOMECHANICS
Mourtzapis Nikolaos
Liopetas Georgios
What does it mean ?
Biomechanics is the application of
mechanical principles to living
organisms.
This includes bioengineering:
– the research and analysis of the
mechanics of living organisms
– the application of engineering principles
such as thermodynamics, continuum
mechanics, and mechanical engineering
to and from biological systems.
Sports Biomechanics
we apply the laws of mechanics
and physics to human
performance in order to gain a
greater understanding of
performance in athletic events
through:
– modeling,
– computer simulation
– measurement.
common methods used in sports
biomechanics
Elements of Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Physics/Dynamics
Computer Science
Clinical Neurophysiology
biomaterials
They are of crucial importance to
biomechanics because skin, bones, and
arteries have unique material properties.
The passive mechanical response of the
tissues can be attributed to its biological
characteristics.
Why sport biomechanics are
important?
Applied loads and
deformations can affect the
properties of living tissue.
There is much research in
the field of growth and
remodeling as a response
to applied loads.
Living tissue is remodelled
as a direct consequence of
applied loads.
– For example bone growth
in response to exercise
Running shoes and the
Biomechanics of your feet
Running shoes are
continually evolving
– each model of shoe
within each brand is
built for specific foot
types!
There is no
"perfect" or "best"
shoe on the market.
Everyone's feet are
different in shape
and function
differently.
How to choose the right running
shoes?

you need to know how
your feet work.
–
–

Knowing the biomechanics
of your feet will help you
better understand what type
of running shoe is right for
you.
A visit to your local
podiatrist is a great start for
a complete foot evaluation.
At the store: An
experienced salesman
who has been fitting
shoes for years can help
you.
What are your running plans?
Tell the podiatrist or
salesman of your running
plans.
– Do you want to complete a
marathon?
– Would you like to maintain a
weekly running base?
Offer as much information
as you can about your
running. This will truly help
you obtain the right pair of
shoes to meet your goal!
Feet Evaluation key points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Is the arch for each foot flat,
normal or high?
Are there additional
biomechanical concerns based on
my foot type?
If so, what are they and the effect
toward running?
Is there a need to wear orthotics
with my shoes?
What type of shoe will best suit
your foot type - neutral, stability,
motion control?
What is the correct size of my feet
(this includes length and width)?
types of running shoes
Below is a listing of shoe
types and basic foot types:
– Neutral:
Underpronator/biomechani
cally efficient
– Stability: Mild to moderate
pronation
– Motion Control: Moderate
to severe
overpronator/heavier
weight runners
– Light Weight Racer:
Biomechanically efficient
runner or race day shoe
Orthotics affect the shoe
type you need!
How to shop running shoes?
Purchase your shoes at a local
running store where you are
professionally fitted for shoes.
Shop later in the day when
typically your foot is most
swollen.
Picking a shoe off the wall in a
large sporting good store is not
recommended .
If you consider the amount of
pressure created with each foot
strike, how could you not have
your feet fitted by a specialist
who knows the running shoes
available on the market?
Remember, you only have two
feet - for your life!
During your visit to the running
store
Ask the following questions to the salesmen:
How long have they worked at the store?
What is their running background?
What is the best shoe? The best shoe is one that
is the correct category of shoe and the pair that
feels the best on your feet.
Ask yourself:
Was the salesmen answering your questions?
Did they check the measurement of your feet
both width and length? (Did you receive the
same sizing as from your foot evaluation?)
What is the store return policy for running shoes?
During your visit to the running
store
Try on all of the brands in
the store in the model that
is appropriate for your foot
type.
– Walk around the store, run
on the store treadmill
– Take Your Time
– If your budget allows,
consider purchasing two
pairs of shoes to alternate.
How long will my new running
shoes last?
They typically last from 300 to
500 miles or approximately 6
months.
Check /evaluate your shoes at the
running store to determine how
much life is left in your running
shoes.
If you begin to develop foot pain
or pain in the shin area, consider
replacing your shoes.
if the pain continues more than 5
-7 days, see the Podiatrist.
Once you have purchased your
shoes…
To keep track of the life of the shoe,
discreetly write the date on the
outside heel area.
– The date helps you keep track of the
length of time for the shoes. Remember
500 miles or 6 months; whichever
comes first!
Consider donating your worn out
shoes to charity or be green and
recycle them!