McKay Frandsen, Utah Valley University
Health
INTRODUCTION
Many believe that zero drop shoes mimic barefoot walking because the soles of these shoes are not sloped from the toe to the heel. Analysis of these two different methods gives further insight into whether barefoot walking is simulated in zero drop shoes. Some have explored foot strike patterns in barefoot and shod runners, most of the research in this area has been done with regard to running. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between barefoot walking and walking with zero drop shoes.
METHODS
Subjects completed a consent form and demographic questionnaire that was approved by UVU-IRB. The subjects then participated in four randomly ordered trials. The trials included walking on the Gaitrite with zero drop shoes, minimalist shoes, traditional shoes, and barefoot. The Gaitrite is a 20-foot pad that measures the pressures and parameters while walking. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with a Bonforoni adjustment for pair-wise comparisons (p<0.05).RESULTSThere was no significant difference in velocity between the four methods, however the step length was shorter in barefoot and minimalist walking. Data suggested that walking with traditional shoes resulted in a lower percentage of gait cycle was spent in single support (only one foot on the ground at a given time during gait cycle), and also a higher percentage of gait cycle was spent in double support (both feet on the ground at the same time during gait). DISCUSSIONSince there was no significant difference in gait velocity among the four different methods, stride frequency was higher in barefoot and minimalist walking. Due to the lack of cushioning in barefoot and minimalist walking, the step length is shortened during gait. Cushioning and a higher heel in traditional shoes imply that these shoes are more unstable than barefoot, minimalist, and zero drop.