title: The influence of footwear tread groove parameters on available friction.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine how footwear tread groove parameters influence available friction (COF). Utilizing a whole shoe tester (SATRA STM 603), 3 groove parameters (width, depth and orientation) were evaluated. Groove orientation had 3 levels (parallel, oblique and perpendicular), width had 3 levels (3, 6 and 9 mm) and depth had 3 levels (2, 4 and 6 mm). In total, the COF of 27 shoes, each with a distinct groove combination, was assessed on wet porcelain tile. The 27 groove combinations produced a wide range of COF values (0.080-0.344). Groove orientation had the greatest impact on COF, explaining the greatest variance in observed COF values (ŋ(2) = 0.81). The most slip resistant groove combination was an oblique orientation, with 3 mm width and 2 mm depth. The least slip resistant groove combination was a parallel orientation, with a 6 mm width and 6 mm depth.
authors.affiliation: Semper Scientific, Mission Viejo, CA, USA; Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Mark G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Blanchette
authors.affiliation: Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: powers@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Powers
mesh_terms: D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012775:Shoes / Q000592:standards
keywords: Footwear; Friction; Slips; Tread