• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.387-397
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• 2009

Physical activity has been increased with increased leasure time. Specifically, due to our mountainous geographical benefits, people actively participate in hiking and climbing as regular daily activities. Thus, more stable and comfortable hiking boots are required to walk on uneven and sloped rocky surface for a long period of time. 5 male subjects were recruited for testing planter pressure patterns of four different conditions(barefoot, classic hiking boot, stiffness 60 and stiffness 65). Tested hiking boots(stiffness 60 and stiffness 65) consists of the multiple pieces of outsoles as they are designed for a better shock absorption. In the results, some positive aspects of stiffness 60 and stiffness 65 such as wide contact area and powerful propulsive patterns at take off was observed compared to the classic hiking boots. Therefore, biomechanical development of hiking related clothes and footwear as well as equipment would be beneficial for people who enjoy hiking to maximize their quality of activities.