Foot shape, perceived comfort, and plantar pressure characteristics during long-distance running

摘要

Long-distance running is an increasingly popular past time globally. As reported, finishers of full marathons increased 32% and half marathons increased 307% over the past decade in the United States alone. In China, participation hit the highest record of 2.8 million in long-distance events during 2016. While running such a long distance either in 10 km (mini marathon), half marathon, or full marathon, shoe fit and comfort are the main considerations of most participants. The foot is the primary link of the human motor system with its external environment (Mei, Fernandez, Hume, & Gu, 2016), and participants tend to select running shoes with specific functions like cushioning, stability, or motion control (Mundermann, Nigg, Stefanyshyn, & Humble, 2002).