The past, present and future of footwear biomechanics: celebrating 50 years of the International Society of Biomechanics

Introduction

In 2023, the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) celebrates its 50th anniversary. This is an exciting milestone for the large and highly dynamic ISB. Apart from being highlighted at the XXIX Congress of the ISB in Fukuoka, Japan, the occasion will also be scientifically celebrated by special editions of several journals, including this special section of Footwear Science. This is highly appropriate not only due to the relevance footwear biomechanics has had in the establishment of the field of human movement biomechanics, but also because so many of the scientists instrumental in footwear biomechanics have been central figures in the scientific excellence and leadership of the ISB. Several previous presidents of the ISB have been consistently involved in footwear research and the ISB Footwear Biomechanics Group.

After initial informal meetings in Calgary and Cologne in 1994 and 1995, the Footwear Biomechanics Group (FBG) became a formal Technical Group of the ISB in Tokyo 1997. It has accompanied the ISB for more than two decades and holds each of its biennial symposia in conjunction with the ISB congresses. The FBG provides a platform for exchange, discussion, development and in particular the application and translation of insights in the biomechanics of clinical, athletic, and other functional footwear. Due to its applied and translational character the FBG and the scientific work performed by its members has a considerably more intimate association with industry than many other scientific branches. Footwear biomechanics and footwear science are therefore naturally subject to industry influences and trends, which is clearly reflected in the research topics addressed in our field. Further evidence of this is also the integral role industrial representatives of many major shoe companies play in the FBG and the interest they show in the footwear science presented. The research areas are therefore dynamic and ephemeral. Due to these dynamics, it is important to document a review and critical reflection of the origins and present state of footwear biomechanics and it is a productive exercise to contemplate anticipated future developments. Maybe more so than in many other scientific fields.

In an exploration of the origins of footwear biomechanics, Joseph Hamill and Barry Bates (Hamill & Bates, 2023) clarify the important role the field and the scientists involved have had in the innovation and development of modern biomechanical methodology in general. From an interest in running biomechanics, the relevance of footwear soon became obvious. Key biomechanical tools such as force platforms and motion analysis have initiated and evolved through scientists addressing questions regarding footwear and its role in locomotion. Much research has been focused on injury paradigms such as pronation and the effects of impact forces, and the dynamics of this field is exemplified by the shifts that have occurred in some of these paradigms. From the beginning, footwear biomechanics has also been applied to performance related to shoes with the challenges associated with this.

Benno Nigg et al. (2023) describe how the original questions, methods and paradigms are still relevant today and that the number of publications in the field has increased dramatically. New trends in athletic footwear arose – both minimalistic footwear and in recent years the innovation of performance enhancing shoes with advanced footwear technology (AFT). These exciting advancements have not only led to far reaching consequences in the athletic community, but also to an understanding that the extremely complex interaction between individual human biomechanics and the shoes worn often renders a concrete, scientific explanation of effects very difficult. Despite the incredible development of methodology and computer intelligence there are therefore continued future challenges in understanding footwear biomechanics.

These future challenges are addressed by Gillian Weir and Steffen Willwacher (Weir & Willwacher, 2023). Important present issues such as individualization and sustainability are discussed and an exciting outlook is provided concerning methodological developments including new technologies, data management and multidisciplinary approaches. They explore which fashions and trends are important and sustainable and therefore regarded as worth pursuing, while others might be less promising and not worth following and investing.

We are honoured to be given the opportunity to present this special section in Footwear Science in celebration of ISB 50 years and are thankful for the enthusiasm of the highly renowned international scientists who agreed to contribute.