Heel strike angle and foot angular velocity in the sagittal plane during running in different shoe conditions

In this study, alterations of heel strike angle (HSA) and plantarflexion velocity (PFV) in the sagittal plane due to wearing different shoe conditions was examined. By this, adaptation in running style as a mechanism of shock attenuation should be investigated. Methods Twenty-four male, injury-free recreational runners (age: 24.8 ± 2.5 years, height: 177.7 ± 5.8 cm, weight: 73.1 ± 7.1 kg) participated in this study. Three running shoes differing in heel height and cushioning properties were used: S1 = low heel, less cushioning; S2 = low heel, medium cushioning; S3 = high heel, medium cushioning.