Is the energy loss of footwear related to Achilles tendon loading during treadmill walking?

Abstract

This study used transmission-mode ultrasound (US) to evaluate the effect of shoe stiffness and energy loss on Achilles tendon loading during walking. As the speed of US is governed by the density and elastic modulus of tendon and is proportional to the tensile load to which it is exposed (Pourcelot et al., 2005), it was hypothesized that the US velocity in the Achilles tendon would be greater in footwear with lower midsole stiffness.