Wear influences footwear traction properties in Canadian high school football

Abstract

Primary objective: To determine the range of translational and rotational traction that exists in cleated footwear of athletes, on the surface of play in Canadian high school football.

Research design: Field study.

Methods and procedures: The shoes of 106 athletes were tested on the field of play using a portable robotic testing machine. The machine measured translational and rotational traction on all shoes. Shoes were compared based on their shape, wear and cleat arrangement; fin, edge, stud.

Main outcome and results: Translational and rotational traction ranged from 0.49 to 1.01 and 15.1 to 57.2 Nm, respectively. Fin shoes had significantly lower rotational traction compared to both the edge and stud shoe. Wear resulted in large variability of the cleated traction.

Conclusions: The influence of wear has been shown to affect footwear traction, and must be taken into account. Therefore more accurate estimates of traction may occur when testing is completed using players’ actual footwear.

Keywords:

• traction
• footwear
• football
• cleats
• injury
• biomechanics

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank adidas International for use of the portable traction testing machine. As well the High School Athletic Association, Board of Education, and the Catholic School District for agreeing to participate in the study. Lastly all the coaches and athletes that participated for their cooperation and assistance.