Influence of Thick-soled Running Shoes with Different Heel-to-Toe Drops on Lower Limb Biomechanics in Overweight Women

Running is a prevalent exercise for overweight individuals seeking weight loss, yet it is associated with a substantial risk of sports injuries. Despite advancements in running shoe design, the incidence of running-related injuries remains high, highlighting the need to optimize key parameters such as shoe drop. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thick-soled running shoes with different drops on the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of overweight women during jogging, thereby providing a scientific basis for shoe selection and product design. Method: Sixteen overweight female participants (BMI: 24.0-28.0 kg/m 2 ) with no history of lower limb injuries, normal foot type, and heel-striking pattern were recruited. Four pairs of thick-soled running shoes with drops of 5mm, 7mm, 9mm, and 11mm (other features identical) were used for testing. Kinematic data were collected using the Vicon 3D motion capture system (200Hz), and kinetic data were synchronously acquired via the Bertec force plate (1000Hz) at a constant running speed of 3.3m/s. SPSS 23.0 software was employed for single-factor repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc LSD tests, with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Results showed: (1) Kinematics, the 11mm drop shoe exhibited significantly longer braking time (P<0.05), shorter push-off time (P<0.05), and larger ankle dorsiflexion angle at touchdown (P<0.05) compared to other drops; the 5mm drop shoe had the highest peak ankle eversion angular velocity (P<0.05). (2) Kinetically, the 11mm drop shoe demonstrated a significantly lower maximum loading rate of the first vertical peak than the 5mm drop shoe (P<0.05), and its maximum ankle eversion moment was significantly smaller than that of the 5mm, 7mm, and 9mm drop shoes (P<0.05). (3) Subjective evaluations indicated no significant differences in shock absorption, fit, transition, stability, or comfort among the four shoes (P>0.05), but the 7mm drop shoe received the highest average scores for comfort and stability. All in all, shoe drop significantly affects heel cushioning and stability during running in overweight women. Among the tested drops, the 9mm drop shoe achieves an optimal balance between cushioning performance and stability, effectively reducing the risk of sports injuries by regulating vertical loading rates and balancing joint moments. Combined with kinematic, kinetic, and subjective data, the 9mm drop thick-soled running shoe is recommended as the most suitable choice for overweight women engaging in jogging activities.