ORIGINAL ARTICLE
The influence of climbing shoes on the morphological structure of the foot and the occurrence of ailments and deformities
1
Tarnow Academy, Tarnow, Poland
2
NZOZ Palmed Care and Treatment Centre, Ciężkowice, Poland
Submission date: 2025-01-24
Acceptance date: 2025-08-21
Online publication date: 2026-09-18
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Climbing shoes are characterised by a specific structure. Their use can lead to dysfunction within the foot.
Aim of the research:
The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of pain and the effect of climbing shoes on the morphological structure of the foot.
Material and methods:
The study included 98 subjects in the age range 20 to 50 years. The study group consisted of 17 women and 26 men climbing for a minimum of one year with climbing shoes, and the control group consisted of 17 women and 38 men. Podoscan 2D FootCAD was used to assess the shape of the soles of the feet. Information was collected on climbing training, pain complaints, and injuries in the foot. The length of footwear worn every day was compared with that of climbing shoes. Data analysis was performed with Statistica 13.0 PL.
Results:
n 86% of climbers, the use of climbing shoes was associated with experiencing pain. The studied groups of men and women did not differ significantly in the values of , , and angles and Wejsflog index. Clarke’s angle values in both men and women were significantly higher in the climbing groups. The difference between the length of climbing shoes and athletic shoes worn daily averaged 3.5 cm.
Conclusions:
Pain complaints were common in the climbing training group. The effect of climbing shoes on the alignment of the toe, little toe, and transverse articulation was not demonstrated. Sport climbers are characterised by increased longitudinal arches of the foot.
Climbing shoes are characterised by a specific structure. Their use can lead to dysfunction within the foot.
Aim of the research:
The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of pain and the effect of climbing shoes on the morphological structure of the foot.
Material and methods:
The study included 98 subjects in the age range 20 to 50 years. The study group consisted of 17 women and 26 men climbing for a minimum of one year with climbing shoes, and the control group consisted of 17 women and 38 men. Podoscan 2D FootCAD was used to assess the shape of the soles of the feet. Information was collected on climbing training, pain complaints, and injuries in the foot. The length of footwear worn every day was compared with that of climbing shoes. Data analysis was performed with Statistica 13.0 PL.
Results:
n 86% of climbers, the use of climbing shoes was associated with experiencing pain. The studied groups of men and women did not differ significantly in the values of , , and angles and Wejsflog index. Clarke’s angle values in both men and women were significantly higher in the climbing groups. The difference between the length of climbing shoes and athletic shoes worn daily averaged 3.5 cm.
Conclusions:
Pain complaints were common in the climbing training group. The effect of climbing shoes on the alignment of the toe, little toe, and transverse articulation was not demonstrated. Sport climbers are characterised by increased longitudinal arches of the foot.
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| eISSN: | 2300-6722 |
| ISSN: | 1899-1874 |
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