Article

Unstable footwear generally lacks thorough peer-review published research to
support concepts and marketing claims. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the instability induced by four (FitFlop, Masai Barefoot Technology,
Reebok Easy-Tone and Skechers Tone-Ups) commercially available unstable sandals
and one stable control sandal (Earth) in walking in 15 females (mean+/-SD age was
29+/-6.7 years, mass 62.6+/-6.9kg and height 167.1+/-4.2cm). Three-dimensional
motion with synchronised electromyography and kinetic data were collected.
Walking speed and step length remained consistent between conditions, however
double support time decreased in Masai Barefoot Technology. Centre of pressure
data identified no consistent difference between the stable control and the
unstable sandals, however Masai Barefoot Technology reduced the
anterior-posterior range of centre of pressure. Muscle activity differed
significantly at the ankle in the unstable footwear. FitFlop, Reebok and Skechers
increased peroneal activity during pre-swing, whereas Masai Barefoot Technology
increased medial gastrocnemius and decreased tibialis anterior activity in
loading response and mid-stance. The larger rocker sole of the Masai Barefoot
Technology altered gait and muscle activation with regard to braking and
progression in the sagittal plane. Reebok, Skechers and FitFlop, with softer,
less stable foreparts increased evertor action at toe-off, having their effect in
the coronal plane. The study highlighted that any instability induced by the
shoes is design-specific.
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