title: An investigation of factors that influence running footwear selection and subjective perceptions

authors: Fife, Andrew

subjects: run

abstract: Background: Many runners consider shoes important to sport participation. Selecting running shoes requires runners to navigate marketing claims and anecdotal evidence to find shoes that meet their needs. Salespeople in running stores often guide runners in their footwear selection, with runners often selecting shoes based on their subjective perceptions of comfort, performance, and injury risk reduction. The validity of this approach is questionable as the advice from salespeople can lack evidence base and runners’ footwear perceptions may be biased. Although previous research identifies the importance of salespeople in shoe selection, little is known regarding how runners choose their shoes in store. Furthermore, it may be possible to influence runner behaviour through education-based interventions and salespeople recommendations, although the effects of education and recommendation on shoe choice are largely unknown. 

Aim: To explore the in-store running shoe selection process and the influence of education and expert recommendation on runners’ shoe selection and subjective perceptions. 

Methods: This Thesis is comprised of seven Chapters, five of which are formatted as academic papers suitable for peer-reviewed publication. First, a systematic review was conducted on factors that influence road running shoe selection. Secondly, 101 runners visiting specialty running stores were surveyed on their running shoe choice, running history, conscious behaviour, and perceived influence of salespeople on their shoe selection. Thirdly, a thematic analysis was used to evaluate how 38 salespeople perceived the salesperson-to-runner interactions. Fourthly, in a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT), 56 runners were randomly assigned to a control or educational video prior to purchasing new running shoes. Runners reported shoe selection behaviours, running history, consciousness during purchase, injuries, and subjective perceptions over three months using online surveys. Lastly, in a single-blind crossover RCT, 21 female runners underwent a clinical gait analysis process and ran on a treadmill at a self-selected pace using their own shoes and two experimental shoes with different product descriptions. One shoe was described as a basic running shoe, whereas the other as a shoe gait-matched to their running style. Subjective perceptions including comfort, performance, and injury risk were reported using visual analogue scales (VAS), and spatiotemporal parameters and resultant tibial acceleration were monitored during running trials. 

Results: Forty factors reported to influence running shoe selection were sourced from the seven studies included in the systematic review. These factors were thematically sub-grouped in five categories: subjective, shoe-specific characteristics, market features, peer evaluation, and runner characteristics. From the 101 runners surveyed in specialty running stores, over 43% of them primarily sought advice from running shoe stores (salespeople) and 25% sought advice from other runners (i.e., family, friends, and running clubs). Runners consistently prioritised fit, comfort, familiarity, and gait analysis during shoe selection. These priorities were aimed at reducing injury risk, with over 20% of surveyed runners in-store reporting sustaining a running-related injury in the previous six months. Based on the 38 interviews conducted, salespeople aimed to build relationships through demonstrating expertise to drive business by making a sale and creating future business. In the RCT providing evidence-based education to runners on shoes, runners that thought less about which shoes to buy were more satisfied at three months post-purchase (89.7 ± 11.2 mm versus 79.8 ± 25.7 mm, p = 0.023) and all runners reported increased subjective performance in new shoes compared to old ones (p = 0.006) based on VAS scores. There was a trend (p = 0.054) for runners to choose different makes and models of shoes after viewing an educational video. In the laboratory-based RCT, runners preferred their own shoes over gait-matched and basic shoes, but rated subjective comfort, performance, and injury risk (p < 0.001, all measures) more favourably in gait-matched than basic shoes, while maintaining similar running biomechanics. 

Conclusion: Road runners that buy shoes from specialty stores rely on the recommendations of salespeople and other runners, despite the unknown quality of this advice. Salespeople build trust with runners through demonstrating expertise and using gait analysis to sell shoes and create future business. Runners in specialty stores focus on subjective factors derived from trying on shoes in-person, such as comfort and fit, with the main goal of reducing injury risk. The subjective perceptions of footwear of runners are manipulable, which further complicates choosing shoes based on desirable factors such as comfort or risk reduction. Additionally, runners typically buy shoes that are familiar to them despite interacting with scientific evidence that they believe influence their behaviours. Runners that think less consciously about their shoe choice are more satisfied with their shoe selection. Current practice of in-store gait analysis and shoe recommendation may not be effective in meeting runners’ desired goals or be evidence-based, with the most appropriate shoe recommendation practices for individuals a challenge to establish.

text: An investigation of factors that influence running footwear selection and subjective perceptions Background: Many runners consider shoes important to sport participation. Selecting running shoes requires runners to navigate marketing claims and anecdotal evidence to find shoes that meet their needs. Salespeople in running stores often guide runners in their footwear selection, with runners often selecting shoes based on their subjective perceptions of comfort, performance, and injury risk reduction. The validity of this approach is questionable as the advice from salespeople can lack evidence base and runners’ footwear perceptions may be biased. Although previous research identifies the importance of salespeople in shoe selection, little is known regarding how runners choose their shoes in store. Furthermore, it may be possible to influence runner behaviour through education-based interventions and salespeople recommendations, although the effects of education and recommendation on shoe choice are largely unknown. 

Aim: To explore the in-store running shoe selection process and the influence of education and expert recommendation on runners’ shoe selection and subjective perceptions. 

Methods: This Thesis is comprised of seven Chapters, five of which are formatted as academic papers suitable for peer-reviewed publication. First, a systematic review was conducted on factors that influence road running shoe selection. Secondly, 101 runners visiting specialty running stores were surveyed on their running shoe choice, running history, conscious behaviour, and perceived influence of salespeople on their shoe selection. Thirdly, a thematic analysis was used to evaluate how 38 salespeople perceived the salesperson-to-runner interactions. Fourthly, in a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT), 56 runners were randomly assigned to a control or educational video prior to purchasing new running shoes. Runners reported shoe selection behaviours, running history, consciousness during purchase, injuries, and subjective perceptions over three months using online surveys. Lastly, in a single-blind crossover RCT, 21 female runners underwent a clinical gait analysis process and ran on a treadmill at a self-selected pace using their own shoes and two experimental shoes with different product descriptions. One shoe was described as a basic running shoe, whereas the other as a shoe gait-matched to their running style. Subjective perceptions including comfort, performance, and injury risk were reported using visual analogue scales (VAS), and spatiotemporal parameters and resultant tibial acceleration were monitored during running trials. 

Results: Forty factors reported to influence running shoe selection were sourced from the seven studies included in the systematic review. These factors were thematically sub-grouped in five categories: subjective, shoe-specific characteristics, market features, peer evaluation, and runner characteristics. From the 101 runners surveyed in specialty running stores, over 43% of them primarily sought advice from running shoe stores (salespeople) and 25% sought advice from other runners (i.e., family, friends, and running clubs). Runners consistently prioritised fit, comfort, familiarity, and gait analysis during shoe selection. These priorities were aimed at reducing injury risk, with over 20% of surveyed runners in-store reporting sustaining a running-related injury in the previous six months. Based on the 38 interviews conducted, salespeople aimed to build relationships through demonstrating expertise to drive business by making a sale and creating future business. In the RCT providing evidence-based education to runners on shoes, runners that thought less about which shoes to buy were more satisfied at three months post-purchase (89.7 ± 11.2 mm versus 79.8 ± 25.7 mm, p = 0.023) and all runners reported increased subjective performance in new shoes compared to old ones (p = 0.006) based on VAS scores. There was a trend (p = 0.054) for runners to choose different makes and models of shoes after viewing an educational video. In the laboratory-based RCT, runners preferred their own shoes over gait-matched and basic shoes, but rated subjective comfort, performance, and injury risk (p < 0.001, all measures) more favourably in gait-matched than basic shoes, while maintaining similar running biomechanics. 

Conclusion: Road runners that buy shoes from specialty stores rely on the recommendations of salespeople and other runners, despite the unknown quality of this advice. Salespeople build trust with runners through demonstrating expertise and using gait analysis to sell shoes and create future business. Runners in specialty stores focus on subjective factors derived from trying on shoes in-person, such as comfort and fit, with the main goal of reducing injury risk. The subjective perceptions of footwear of runners are manipulable, which further complicates choosing shoes based on desirable factors such as comfort or risk reduction. Additionally, runners typically buy shoes that are familiar to them despite interacting with scientific evidence that they believe influence their behaviours. Runners that think less consciously about their shoe choice are more satisfied with their shoe selection. Current practice of in-store gait analysis and shoe recommendation may not be effective in meeting runners’ desired goals or be evidence-based, with the most appropriate shoe recommendation practices for individuals a challenge to establish.

year: 2024-12-17

title: Investigation of sorted bedforms, Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand

authors: Spiers, Kyle C.

subjects: rippled sour depression

abstract: Elongated bands of coarse grained ripples (sorted bedforms) are common in the nearshore swell wave environment and have been identified by numerous researchers. Although there is a general concurrence regarding the maintenance of these features, the mechanism controlling their formation and positional stability is still under discussion. In 2004-5 the current study was conducted to investigate sorted bedforms on the inner shelf off Mt Maunganui beach, which is located on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand. The morphology and evolution of these features was examined by 4 side-scan sonar surveys, spanning 9 months. The influence of wave convergence on the formation and positional stability of the sorted bedforms was investigated via a calibrated numerical wave model (Mike21-NSW). Transects from multibeam bathymetry were used to assess the influence of alongshore flow. Results from the side-scan sonar surveys indicate an alternating pattern of degradation and restoration during the monitoring period. Based upon numerical model simulations it seems likely that the positional stability of the elongated sorted bedforms at Mt Maunganui is primarily determined by localised wave height reinforcement, resulting from the focussing of wave energy by two offshore spoil mounds. Cross-sections indicate that the maintenance of these features is likely to be assisted by increased near-bottom turbulence over the coarse bedformed areas and removal of fine suspended load by superimposed alongshore currents.

text: Investigation of sorted bedforms, Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand Elongated bands of coarse grained ripples (sorted bedforms) are common in the nearshore swell wave environment and have been identified by numerous researchers. Although there is a general concurrence regarding the maintenance of these features, the mechanism controlling their formation and positional stability is still under discussion. In 2004-5 the current study was conducted to investigate sorted bedforms on the inner shelf off Mt Maunganui beach, which is located on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand. The morphology and evolution of these features was examined by 4 side-scan sonar surveys, spanning 9 months. The influence of wave convergence on the formation and positional stability of the sorted bedforms was investigated via a calibrated numerical wave model (Mike21-NSW). Transects from multibeam bathymetry were used to assess the influence of alongshore flow. Results from the side-scan sonar surveys indicate an alternating pattern of degradation and restoration during the monitoring period. Based upon numerical model simulations it seems likely that the positional stability of the elongated sorted bedforms at Mt Maunganui is primarily determined by localised wave height reinforcement, resulting from the focussing of wave energy by two offshore spoil mounds. Cross-sections indicate that the maintenance of these features is likely to be assisted by increased near-bottom turbulence over the coarse bedformed areas and removal of fine suspended load by superimposed alongshore currents.

year: 2007

title: Challenges Faced – Implications for Policy: The Everyday Lives of Eastern European Women in New Zealand

authors: Ember, Adrienna

subjects: everyday life

abstract: This study explored the everyday lives, aspirations, and coping strategies of seven Eastern European immigrant women in New Zealand who came from Bulgaria, the former Eastern Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. The answers to the research questions aimed to contribute to the deconstruction of the invisibility and marginalisation of these women in New Zealand.
Guided by the philosophies of Kaupapa Māori Research; the theory of Human Wellbeing; and the theory of Positive Psychology, and using the methods of narrative inquiry, three interviews were conducted with each participant. The focus of the first interviews was to learn about the everyday lives of research participants in their countries of origin. The second interview explored the reasons of relocation to New Zealand, the settlement process, and how women re-established their lives in their new locations. In the final interviews women talked about their current everyday lives and their plans for the future.
Interviews were recorded and summarised in interview summary reports which research participants modified in collaboration with the researcher until a final version was achieved. In addition, women participated in two focus group sessions. The first session was devoted to establish connections among the participants and allow themes to emerge from their conversations. The second group session aimed to explore areas women struggled with in their lives the most: relationships and employment opportunities.
The study yielded contributions to the research topic, to the acculturation literature, and to the design of research with migrants. Firstly, it revealed both negative and positive aspects of the participants’ everyday lives and highlighted some under-researched cultural differences from the mainstream population.
Women highlighted as an important cultural difference their strong preference for straightforward communication which was often experienced as offensive and blatant by local New Zealanders. Research participants critiqued the necessity of networking to obtain jobs in New Zealand which is a clear obstacle for a newly arrived migrant.
This study also highlighted how the acculturation process is more individual and complex than conventional models have sought to explain. While traditional acculturation literature suggests that migrants go through some common patterns during their settlement that ideally leads to their assimilation to the host culture, in this research not all migrant women intended to assimilate. Indeed, those with a stronger wish to become part of the host culture reported more disappointments than those who embraced their cultural otherness as a positive aspect and did not mind reminding different from the dominant Pakeha culture.
Finally, for migrant studies a less common research design was applied by using the Kaupapa Māori framework. This philosophy proposes a research process that empowers immigrants to voice their needs and strengthen them as agents of their lives beyond the research process. While two strength based theories were used for data interpretation (the 3-D model of the Human Wellbeing Theory and the PERMA model of Positive Psychology), the data analysis revealed that both models showed some limitations by failing to incorporate the dimension of spiritual and physical wellbeing within their domains.

text: Challenges Faced – Implications for Policy: The Everyday Lives of Eastern European Women in New Zealand This study explored the everyday lives, aspirations, and coping strategies of seven Eastern European immigrant women in New Zealand who came from Bulgaria, the former Eastern Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. The answers to the research questions aimed to contribute to the deconstruction of the invisibility and marginalisation of these women in New Zealand.
Guided by the philosophies of Kaupapa Māori Research; the theory of Human Wellbeing; and the theory of Positive Psychology, and using the methods of narrative inquiry, three interviews were conducted with each participant. The focus of the first interviews was to learn about the everyday lives of research participants in their countries of origin. The second interview explored the reasons of relocation to New Zealand, the settlement process, and how women re-established their lives in their new locations. In the final interviews women talked about their current everyday lives and their plans for the future.
Interviews were recorded and summarised in interview summary reports which research participants modified in collaboration with the researcher until a final version was achieved. In addition, women participated in two focus group sessions. The first session was devoted to establish connections among the participants and allow themes to emerge from their conversations. The second group session aimed to explore areas women struggled with in their lives the most: relationships and employment opportunities.
The study yielded contributions to the research topic, to the acculturation literature, and to the design of research with migrants. Firstly, it revealed both negative and positive aspects of the participants’ everyday lives and highlighted some under-researched cultural differences from the mainstream population.
Women highlighted as an important cultural difference their strong preference for straightforward communication which was often experienced as offensive and blatant by local New Zealanders. Research participants critiqued the necessity of networking to obtain jobs in New Zealand which is a clear obstacle for a newly arrived migrant.
This study also highlighted how the acculturation process is more individual and complex than conventional models have sought to explain. While traditional acculturation literature suggests that migrants go through some common patterns during their settlement that ideally leads to their assimilation to the host culture, in this research not all migrant women intended to assimilate. Indeed, those with a stronger wish to become part of the host culture reported more disappointments than those who embraced their cultural otherness as a positive aspect and did not mind reminding different from the dominant Pakeha culture.
Finally, for migrant studies a less common research design was applied by using the Kaupapa Māori framework. This philosophy proposes a research process that empowers immigrants to voice their needs and strengthen them as agents of their lives beyond the research process. While two strength based theories were used for data interpretation (the 3-D model of the Human Wellbeing Theory and the PERMA model of Positive Psychology), the data analysis revealed that both models showed some limitations by failing to incorporate the dimension of spiritual and physical wellbeing within their domains.

year: 2016