Effects of athletic socks with high frictional properties on in-shoe foot sliding and performance in football-specific movements

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of high friction socks on in-shoe foot sliding and running performance of male footballers during change of direction movements. Twelve recreational football players (mean age 20.3±1.1 years) completed a 26 m dynamic agility course at their maximum running speed. 3D kinematic and kinetic data were collected for three maximum speed 45° side-cuts, and 180° turns in two different sock conditions. Comparisons were made between a sock with a high static coefficient of friction (GripSock) and a regular sock (CompressionS). The Gripsock condition significantly increased utilised traction (COFu) and a reduction of GRF angle (GRFα) were identified during the braking phase of the side cut (COFu: + 9.3±10 %; GRFα: - 3.1±2.9 %) but not in the side-cut propulsion, turn braking and turn propulsion phases. Speed perception was raised in the GripSock condition (+ 18±30 %). However, wearing a sock with high frictional properties did not significantly reduce in-shoe foot sliding in any examined direction nor did it significantly reduce running times over a functional traction course. Evidently, the relationship between in-shoe traction and running performance is complex and likely dependent on the overall interaction of shoe properties and the type of athletic sock.

Citation

Friedl, F., Smith, G., Lamb, K. L., Worsfold, P., & Palmer, M. (2023). Effects of athletic socks with high frictional properties on in-shoe foot sliding and performance in football-specific movements. Footwear Science, 15(3), 185-191. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2023.2212628

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Journal

Footwear Science

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10034/627779

DOI

10.1080/19424280.2023.2212628

Type

Article

Description

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Footwear Science on 24/05/2023, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2023.2212628

ISSN

1942-4280

EISSN

1942-4299

Additional Links

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19424280.2023.2212628?ui=isqik&af=T&ai=oin6v