Subjective evaluation of running footwear depends on country and assessment method: a bi-national study

Abstract

This study examined (1) the perception of running shoes between China (Beijing) and Singapore and (2) whether running shoe preference depended on assessment methods. One hundred (n = 50 each country) Chinese males subjectively evaluated four shoe models during running by using two assessment procedures. Procedure 1 used a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess five perception variables. Procedure 2 was a 'head-to-head' comparison of two shoes simultaneously (e.g. left foot: A and right foot: B) to decide which model was preferred. VAS scores were consistently higher in Beijing participants (p < .001), indicating a higher degree of liking. Singapore participants used the lower end but a wider range of the 15 cm scale for shoe discrimination. Moderate agreement was seen between the VAS and 'head-to-head' procedures, with only 14 out of 100 participants matched all 6 pairwise comparisons (median = 4 matches). Footwear companies and researchers should be aware that subjective shoe preference may vary with assessment methods. Practitioner Summary: Footwear preference depends on country and assessment methods. Running shoe perception differed between Beijing and Singapore Chinese, suggesting that footwear recommendation should be country-specific. Individuals' shoe preference measured by visual analogue scale when wearing complete pairs may not reflect that when directly comparing different models in left and right feet.

What are the perceptions of runners and healthcare professionals on footwear and running injury risk?

“…In addition, footwear perceptions and preferences have even been suggested to be country specific. 33 Despite improving generalisability by providing the questionnaire in two languages, research is needed to help assess beliefs in multiple countries and languages to eventually adapt educational resources to different cultures. Fourth, differences in the perceptions of those who filled out PRE compared with those who completed both PRE and POST, and the fact that less than half of participants decided to fill out the POST questions, represent potential sources of bias and outline the need to correctly identify individuals who could benefit from an educational module.…”

Overall Preference of Running Shoes Can Be Predicted by Suitable Perception Factors Using a Multiple Regression Model

“…Liking magnitude: 0 = dislike extremely , 15 = like extremely . This data set was based on a previous study by Kong, Lim, Ding, and Sterzing (2015).…”

“… Note. This data set was similarly presented in a previous study by Kong, Lim, Ding, and Sterzing (2015). …”

“…The present study is based on data collected from a binational study on shoe perception of Beijing and Singapore runners (Kong, Lim, Ding, & Sterzing, 2015). The participants were 50 Beijing and 50 Singapore Chinese male casual runners recruited by convenience sampling.…”

“…Exclusion criteria were pain in any part of the body at the time of the study or back and lower-extremity injuries within the past 6 months. Further details of the participants can be found in Kong et al (2015).…”