Relationship of footwear comfort, selected size, and lower leg overuse injuries among infantry soldiers

Abstract

Background High rates of musculoskeletal injuries such as plantar fasciitis and stress fractures have been observed among physically active military personnel. During service time, infantry soldiers use issued boots daily that should fit well and provide comfort to prevent injuries and decrease lower extremity pain effectively. The association of military boot comfort with overuse injuries remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between the chosen military boot size, perceived boot comfort and lower leg overuse injury. Methods During the cross-sectional study, 227 (males, n = 213; females, n = 14) active-duty infantry soldiers at a mean age of 29.5 years old, and with an average service time of 7.2 years were assessed for a history of overuse injury, footprint length, appropriate shoe size, and footwear comfort. Males with a history of overuse injury (n = 32) and non-injured age-matched controls (n = 34) were selected for detailed testing and establishing the possible relationship between footwear comfort and lower leg overuse injury. Results No relationship was found between footwear comfort and a history of lower leg overuse injury. N = 38 (57.6%) of study subjects were wearing an inappropriate shoe size daily. Inappropriate shoe size usage affected footwear comfort ratings significantly. Conclusions Study results showed that improper boot size was significantly related to comfort ratings but was not associated with a history of lower leg overuse injury.

A review of the injuries caused by occupational footwear

“…Regarding the countries in which the studies were conducted, 3 of the 27 studies were conducted in Australia [ 24 , 25 , 35 ], another 3 in Spain [ 5 , 23 , 33 ], 3 in the USA [ 19 , 32 , 34 ], 1 in Colombia [ 18 ], 1 in China [ 31 ], 1 in Paraguay [ 17 ], 2 in Greece [ 27 , 36 ], 1 in Japan [ 21 ], 1 in Ethiopia [ 20 ], 2 in Germany [ 2 , 30 ], 2 in Iran [ 29 , 37 ], 1 in Bolivia [ 4 ] and 1 in Latvia [ 28 ].…”

Increased Barefoot Stride Variability Might Be Predictor Rather than Risk Factor for Overuse Injury in the Military

“…Common lower leg overuse injuries in the military are anterior or posterior tibial syndrome (ICD-10 code M76.8) [26], plantar fasciitis (M72.2), Achilles tendonitis (or bursitis, M76.6), peroneal tendinitis (M76.7), and stress fractures (M84.3) [9,27]. A detailed selection process was presented in a previous article [28]. Cases (n = 32) were subjects with a history of overuse injury in the lower leg, ankle, or foot during the last 6 months of service before entering the study.…”

Thermo-Physiological Comfort Property of Military Combat Boot Material for Hot and Cold Climatic Conditions

“…Te thermo-physiological comfort index (TPCI) of military combat boots would be a gauge of how well the boots strike a balance between these three elements to give the wearer the maximum level of comfort in a variety of situations and climatic circumstances. Te wearer would enjoy comfort wearing a boot with a high thermo-physiological comfort index because it would have a good balance of heat resistance, air permeability, and water vapor permeability [6].…”

“…Te military combat boot not only afects the materials used but also the interactions between personal protective equipment (PPE) systems, the human foot, and the external environment, which can impact human function, injury prevention and preserving mobility, and comfort [6]. Boots and socks can provide support and cushioning, protect against physical and environmental hazards, and reduce foot fatigue and pain.…”