Construction and finite element analysis of a coupled finite element model of foot and barefoot running footwear

Running in barefoot running footwear has gained popularity among both amateur and professional runners in recent times. To date, few studies have been performed using coupled finite element model of foot and barefoot running footwear. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in peak plantar pressure during landing in the weight-bearing period between the finite element model of a barefoot and coupled finite element model of foot and barefoot running footwear. The stress distributions and concentrations in the forefoot region for simulations of different loadings to the foot and shoe were also investigated in the coupled model through different applied loadings. The finite element analysis showed that the coupled model had better pressure distribution and less peak plantar pressure than the barefoot model. The materials and thickness of the midsole were important factors in optimizing the outcome to reduce the plantar pressure and improve pressure distribution. The results presented in this study have the potential to be used as beneficial guidelines to improve the design of barefoot running footwear, while reducing the need for laborious experimental biomechanical investigations.