The effect of tread patterns on slip resistance of footwear outsoles based on composite materials in icy conditions

Sabrina Islam; Kunal Gide; Tilak Dutta; Z Shaghayegh Bagheri

doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2023.08.017

The effect of tread patterns on slip resistance of footwear outsoles based on composite materials in icy conditions

J Safety Res. 2023 Dec:87:453-464. doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.08.017. Epub 2023 Sep 9.

Authors

Sabrina Islam¹, Kunal Gide¹, Tilak Dutta², Z Shaghayegh Bagheri³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
² KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 550 University Ave, Toronto M5G2A2, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 3G9, Canada.
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 550 University Ave, Toronto M5G2A2, Canada. Electronic address: https://volgenau.gmu.edu/profile/view/579736.

PMID: 38081717
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.08.017

Abstract

Introduction: Falls on icy surfaces are the leading cause of injuries for outdoor workers. Footwear outsole material and geometrical design parameters are the most significant factors affecting slips-and-falls. Recently, composite materials have been incorporated into outsoles to improve traction, yet the best design parameters are not fully understood.

Method: In this effort, based on Taguchi orthogonal array design, 27 outsole prototypes were fabricated with different tread pattern features using our patented composites and tested in a simulated winter condition.

Results: An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that surface area (p = 0.041, Contribution = 15.63%) was the only factor significantly affecting the slip-resistance of our prototypes. The best performance was observed for the maximized surface area covered by our composite material with circular and half circular plugs laid obliquely, mostly in the forefoot area.

Practical applications: These findings suggest that some tread design features of composite-based footwear have a great role in affecting slip-resistance properties of composite-based footwear.

Keywords: Falls; Icy conditions; Slip-resistant footwear outsole; Slips; Taguchi method.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Equipment Design
Friction
Humans
Seasons
Shoes*

Grants and funding

U54 OH007542/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States