Softer shoes, fewer injuries? a big test for runners
NCT ID NCT06384872
First seen Aug 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial asks whether the softness and placement of cushioning in running shoes can lower the risk of injuries in leisure-time runners. About 1,000 runners will use one of three nearly identical shoe models that differ only in foam stiffness at the heel and forefoot. Over six months, researchers track running data and any musculoskeletal complaints to see if softer or differently positioned cushioning reduces injury risk.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Running shoes with different foam cushioning properties and positions
- What this could lead to
- If softer or differently placed cushioning reduces injuries, it could guide better running shoe design for recreational runners.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is early and results may not apply to all runners. Individual factors like body mass and running style could influence outcomes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 1,068 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Willing to use the study shoes for each running training session, and only for running activities * Use a sports watch for training data recording * Accept to give access to running data via a Garmin Connect, Polar Flow or Suunto account, or accept to upload the GPX file (downloaded from another system) into the electronic system "STRIDE" for every running session * Signed electronic Informed Consent provided Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are pregnant * Any contraindication to running training including cardiovascular/respiratory disease or running impeding injury/condition at the time of initial inclusion; * A history of surgery to the lower limbs or the lower back within the previous 12 months or any degenerative conditions; * The use of orthopedic insoles for physical activity; * Any running injury (a physical pain or complaint related to running practice that causes the runner to interrupt or modify his/her training for at least one week) over the last month. No limitation will be set regarding running experience, running level (performance), body mass or body mass index.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Luxembourg Institute of Health
Strassen, 1445, Luxembourg