Gradual increase of varus angle of running shoes gradually reduces pronation while maintaining cushioning properties

Introduction Excessive pronation is considered to be the cause of various overuse injuries. Thus, different mechanisms to control excessive pronation have been developed (e.g. dual density and medial support shoes). Reducing effects of shoes with extreme varus angles (VA) of 8–10° on pronation (TPR) and maximum pronation velocity (MPV) have been shown [1,2]. However, resultant GRFs, loading rate, peak acceleration, and transient rate were observed to be increased [2]. It was concluded that shoes with increased VA lead to reduced cushioning properties by reducing range of motion. The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of gradual 1°-changes in VA (0–4°) in running shoes on pronation and cushioning parameters. Furthermore, the capability of runners to perceive these VA changes should be tested.