• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.191-200
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of trekking boots for assessing their functionality. Subjects participated in this study included 10 university male students who had no injury experience in lower limbs and a normal gait pattern. The size of all subjects was 270mm. Five models of trekking boots, most popular in Korea (A, B, C, D & E company), were selected for the test. Using the PEDAR-X system and PEDAR-X insoles, 5 different walking stages were analyzed for the foot-pressure distribution: (a) straight gait; (b) $45^{\circ}$ turn gait; (c) $25^{\circ}$ uphill gait; and (d) $25^{\circ}$ downhill gait. Results of the foot-pressure distribution and functionality on each stage were as follow; 1. Straight gait - In case of Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there was not a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and A company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. 2. $45^{\circ}$ turn gait - In Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and A company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E and A company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. 3. $25^{\circ}$ uphill gait - In Max ground reaction force, mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E and C company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E and C company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. 4. $25^{\circ}$ downhill gait - In Max ground reaction force, Mean plantar pressure and Max plantar pressure, there wasn't a distinct tendency; however, products manufactured by E company showed relatively lower pressure distribution. Results also revealed that the products manufactured by E company were superior to those by other companies in terms of functionality. Overall, five pairs of trekking shoes selected in this study showed the excellent performance in several conditions. The findings above may provide us with the important criteria for choosing trekking boots.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.39-50
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• 2022

Background: It is essential to investigate the functionality of the newly developed knobble shoe. Purpose: The purpose was to explore how the body shape and balance change when wearing knobble shoes. Methods: Nine subjects wearing knobble shoes after walking for a month were analyzed. Results: For knobble shoes, we created various small air pockets in the insole to stimulate the soles of the feet to induce body changes. In particular, it was to promote the arch part of the foot by making a large lump inside and outside the center of the foot's arch. After wearing knobble shoes and using them for 30 days, the average blood sugar decreased by 31.1 mg. The lowering range was 5 to 120 mg. In one patient, the result of the hemoglobin test decreased by 7.5% to 6.5%. In the shoulder tapping test for a body balance test, seven subjects leaned to the right in a barefoot state, and two people to the left. However, after wearing shoes, all of them maintained equilibrium. knobble shoes fit, and balance was all stable. There were two subjects with a short left and four subjects with a short right. Conclusions: Blood sugar decreased after wearing the knobble shoes. The deformed shape of the body was restored to its original state by the knobble supporting the foot arch area. The balance of the sole directly affects the overall posture.