Effects of Temperature on the Performance of Footwear Foams: Review of Developments

Abstract

Abstract--The human foot is a multifunctional system that serves as the primary physical interaction between the body and the environment during gait. Footwear foam components maintain efficient foot function which is essential for daily living and provide cushioning by acting as a protective layer between the foot and the ground that attenuates the shock of impact. Footwear foam materials have high temperature dependency mechanical characteristics. The lower the temperature, the less elastic the material becomes. Consequently, it would seem reasonable to expect different mechanical and cushioning characteristics for the same shoe under different temperature conditions. Although the footwear foam materials great temperature sensitivity and the clinical implications of excessive temperature rise in the footwear during activities on lower extremity injuries and ultimate amputation are well recognized, but very few studies have demonstrated this dependency. This study reviews the developments made on the temperature effect on the performance of footwear foams and assesses its consequent clinical complications.The search strategy was constructed around the temperature dependency of elastomeric by identifying the sources which affect the footwear foam temperature and also its important clinical implications. This study has intended to provide a review of such factors in order to aid the future materials development and product design. These findings will be useful individuals for those individuals with a history of lower extremity complications particularly diabetes.

The Effect of Non-Newtonian Fluid Midsole Footwear on Lower Limb Biomechanics after 5 km of Running in High Temperature

“…These findings indicated that runners might be subjected to a higher injury risk when running in extremely high temperatures, possibly because the shoe integrity becomes less stable. It has been shown that when footwear midsole EVA foam reaches a temperature of 70 • C, the material begins to dissolve [12]. The midsole temperature of each shoe worn by the participants exceeded 70 • C; thus, the cushioning capability of the EVA shoes is degrading.…”

“…2023, 13, 8024 2 of 12 brand new footwear [11]. However, it should be noted that the mechanical parameters of a running shoe can also be altered when used in extreme weather conditions [12]. Cook et al [13] demonstrated that running shoes containing air wedges, fiberglass plates and molded and composite midsole materials can preserve approximately 67% of their original shock absorption capability after 160-240 km using continuous machine-simulated mileage testing.…”

“…Despite the fact that ambient temperature is not transported linearly into the midsole, studies have demonstrated that footwear may be impacted by ambient temperature [1]. Mohammad et al [12] assumed that friction and compression between the foot and the shoe, as well as foot temperature and ambient temperature, are the most influential factors in footwear temperature change. As the temperature of the foam increases, pliability, compression, and recovery rates also increase, and its cushioning performance may alter and influence the lower limb biomechanics of exercisers during running [24].…”

The effects of non-Newtonian fluid material midsole footwear on tibial shock acceleration and attenuation

“…The effectiveness of these materials in SA and protective equipment largely depends on maintaining the appropriate temperature during their usage. Past investigations have demonstrated that a substantial elevation in the temperature of EVA footwear can lead to a notable surge in the vulnerability to lower limb injuries when individuals partake in physical activities ( Shariatmadari et al, 2010 ). It's worth noting that M. Hojjat et al observed that the rheological properties of non-Newtonian fluids exhibited shear-thinning behavior following an increase in temperature ( Hojjat et al, 2011 ).…”