Lateral Dorsal Foot Temperature during Thirty Minutes of Treadmill Running in Running Shoes with Mesh versus Vinyl Uppers

Introduction: There are few studies exploring the effects of shoe or sock material on foot temperature during running, and most are single-sex. Purpose: This study investigated how shoe material (mesh versus vinyl upper) affected lateral dorsal foot temperature (LDFT) during thirty minutes of treadmill running in both females and males. Methods: Twenty subjects completed two 30-minute running trials, one each in mesh and vinyl running shoes. Thermometers were attached to the dorsal lateral aspect of the right foot against the skin and against the sock. Visual analogue scales assessed subjects’ perceptions of foot comfort and foot temperature. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in physiological temperature between shoes at any time point, though subjects perceived their feet as being warmer and less comfortable when wearing the vinyl shoe. Perceived foot temperature correlated significantly and positively with actual LDFT, and significantly and negatively with perceived comfort. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the LDFT will be similar regardless of shoe upper material, but that shoe upper material will impact on a runner’s perceived foot comfort and perceived foot temperature. The lateral dorsal aspect of the foot may not be the most representative site of overall foot temperature.