The mechanics of foot action during the golf swing and implications for shoe design

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Abstract
Forces and movement at the feet during the golf swing were studied using force platform and 3-dimensional cinematography techniques, with special consideration given to implications for golf shoe design. Ground reaction forces and center-of-pressure patterns were obtained by alternately placing each foot on a Kistler force platform while subjects hit golf balls on artificial turf in an indoor golf station. Four force trials for each foot were recorded and subsequently averaged from shots made with each of 3 clubs (driver, 3-iron and 7-iron), while wearing standard golf shoes. The 10 subjects were assigned to 3 groups based on a handicap (0-7, 8-14, 15+). Simultaneous filming by 4 cameras and their subsequent analysis generated 3-dimensional coordinates of markers of the lower leg and foot, which allowed the center of pressure and associated force components to be displayed in relation to the foot position throughout the swing. Position and pattern of shear and vertical forces were important factors influencing stability, force production and resistance to slippage during the swing. Center-of-pressure patterns and force-time relationships were remarkably similar within an individual for all conditions but showed no clear trends between subjects at different skill levels. Some significant differences were found among clubs in the magnitudes of ground reaction forces at selected points during the swing. Implications for golf shoe design include modification of the outsole configuration, replacing the raised heel with a continuous heel wedge, altering the placement and inclination of cleats, incorporating a valgus wedge insert in each shoe and using different designs for the right and left shoes, which were shown to have totally different functions.

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