The Effect of Heel-to-Toe Drop in Running Shoes on Tibial Stress During Forefoot Running
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
10th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Despite heel-to-toe height difference being an important factor in the running world, there seems to be very limited research on negative drop running shoes. These shoes are designed to mimic barefoot running, which research has shown can reduce injuries, including shin splints. This type of footwear also provides a possible solution to the increased loading rates that come with minimalist shoes that exist to mimic barefoot running through increasing cushioning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether heel drop in shoes had an effect on tibial stress during forefoot running and to establish whether negative heel drop shoes could reduce this stress. Thus, it was hypothesized that the treatment with a -9 mm heel drop would result in the least tibial bending which reflects the least tibial stress. Midsoles were made using neoprene glued in layers into various heel-to-toe drops (HTDs). Markers were placed on the shin and were tracked using a motion capture machine that finds the positions of each marker in a xyz plane over time. This data was then used to find the angle difference from 180 degrees when the foot hit the ground (using a forefoot strike) using the various midsoles. F(4,150) = 1.32231, SD = 7.6551, p > 0.05. Therefore, it was concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that HTD affects force on the shins during forefoot running.
Recommended Citation
Nelakuditi, Sarthak, "The Effect of Heel-to-Toe Drop in Running Shoes on Tibial Stress During Forefoot Running" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 109.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/109
Location
PENNY 210
Start Date
4-5-2025 9:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The Effect of Heel-to-Toe Drop in Running Shoes on Tibial Stress During Forefoot Running
PENNY 210
Despite heel-to-toe height difference being an important factor in the running world, there seems to be very limited research on negative drop running shoes. These shoes are designed to mimic barefoot running, which research has shown can reduce injuries, including shin splints. This type of footwear also provides a possible solution to the increased loading rates that come with minimalist shoes that exist to mimic barefoot running through increasing cushioning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether heel drop in shoes had an effect on tibial stress during forefoot running and to establish whether negative heel drop shoes could reduce this stress. Thus, it was hypothesized that the treatment with a -9 mm heel drop would result in the least tibial bending which reflects the least tibial stress. Midsoles were made using neoprene glued in layers into various heel-to-toe drops (HTDs). Markers were placed on the shin and were tracked using a motion capture machine that finds the positions of each marker in a xyz plane over time. This data was then used to find the angle difference from 180 degrees when the foot hit the ground (using a forefoot strike) using the various midsoles. F(4,150) = 1.32231, SD = 7.6551, p > 0.05. Therefore, it was concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that HTD affects force on the shins during forefoot running.
