Does visual representation of futsal shoes outsole tread groove design resemblance its mechanical traction, dynamic human traction performance, and perceived traction during change of direction and straight sprint tasks?

Abstract

We aimed to clarify the efficacy of futsal shoe outsole tread pattern on mechanically available traction, dynamic human traction performance and athlete’s perceived traction. Thirty-nine university level athletes participated two human performance tests (multiple v-cut and 5 m/20m straight sprint) on a hardwood flooring facility using three pairs of futsal shoes that were systematically ranked based on apparent design simplicity/complexity (1 = simple, 2 = moderate and 3 = complex). Further mechanical testing was carried out to measure each shoe’s actual available traction coefficient on a dry hardwood surface [available friction coefficient (AFC)]. Among the three shoes, there were significant differences of AFCs in both horizontal and lateral components (rank 2 > rank 3 > rank 1). The shoes with higher AFC (ranks 2 and 3) had a significant impact on the multiple v-cut performance (p < 0.05) and on perceived traction (p < 0.05) when compared with the shoe with lower AFC (rank 1). No significant differences were observed across all shoe ranks for the initial (5 m) and resultant (20 m) sprint times for the straight sprint test. These findings indicated that the simplex outsole performed worst and the moderately complex outsole performed best for mechanical traction, human performance and perceived traction. Moreover, compared with the moderately complex outsole, the most complex outsole comes with several specific features did not induce any advantage of these parameters. The AFCs of three tested shoes most likely explain the differences in dynamic human traction performance and perceived traction during the test including multiple change of direction.