Human heel pad and shoe interaction influences during running

The influence of heel pad and shoe mechanical properties on the ground reaction forces were examined during the impact phase of running. Heel pad mechanical properties were measured in cadaver heel pads under a range of conditions reflecting how the heel pad can be surrounded in a shoe. These mechanical properties were then used in a multi-component spring-mass model of running to demonstrate that the way in which the shoe surrounds the heel pad influences the magnitude and timing of the ground reaction forces.