by Choosing the right running shoe can have a significant impact on a runner’s performance. However, finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task, as every individual has a unique running style and physique. To address this challenge, engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new model that predicts how specific shoe properties will affect a runner’s performance.
The model, reported in the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, incorporates a runner’s height, weight, and other general dimensions, along with shoe properties like stiffness and springiness. By inputting these variables, the model simulates the runner’s unique gait in different shoe types. The researchers can then identify the shoe that minimizes energy expenditure, promoting improved performance.
While the model is successful in simulating changes in a runner’s gait when comparing very different shoe designs, it is less effective at differentiating relatively similar designs, such as most commercially available running shoes. Therefore, the current model is best suited as a tool for shoe designers seeking to innovate and push the boundaries of sneaker design.
As the field of shoe design advances, with the introduction of 3D printing technology, designers now have the ability to create shoes with a wider range of properties. This presents an opportunity for the model to aid in the creation of novel, high-performing shoes. Sarah Fay, a postdoc at MIT’s Sports Lab and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), explains, “Our model could help them design really novel shoes that are also high-performing.”
The MIT team is continuously working to enhance the model so that one day consumers can use a similar version to select shoes that align with their running style. Fay envisions a future where runners could send a video of themselves running, and a customized, 3D-printed shoe could be created specifically for them.
The development of this model stems from collaborations with industry partners in the sneaker industry, where 3D-printed shoes are being produced on a commercial scale. These shoes feature 3D-printed midsoles with intricate geometries that can be tailored to provide specific levels of bounce or stiffness.
The challenge lies in predicting how a runner will adapt to an entirely new shoe. Fay notes, “You have to couple the dynamics of the runner with the properties of the shoe.” To address this, the engineers drew inspiration from Thomas McMahon’s work at Harvard University in the 1970s. McMahon used a simple spring and damper model to simulate a runner’s gait mechanics and predict their speed on various track types. His findings revolutionized track design, as runners discovered that they could achieve faster speeds on softer, springier surfaces.
Drawing from McMahon’s insights, the MIT team demonstrates how simplified models can still yield valuable insights for athletic performance. While the current model is not comprehensive, Fay explains, “We’re still able to create meaningful insights in terms of how we design for athletic performance.”
The researchers continue to refine their model, aiming to offer consumers a tool to select running shoes perfectly suited to their individual needs. With advancements in 3D printing technology and the ability to customize shoe properties, the future of running shoes looks promising for athletes of all levels.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
