Frictional Performance of Geometrically Modified Footwear Outsoles with Obliquely Oriented Tread Patterns

Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe systematically examined the effect of obliquely-oriented shoe tread channels on traction performance, by manipulating tread angle, thickness, and gap width across 24 outsole designs. Through robotic slipping tribotesting and computational fluid dynamics modeling, outsoles with a tread inclination angle of 75 and 105 degrees, 2 mm tread thickness, and 5 mm gap width exhibited superior dry and wet traction. This work introduces experimental and computational techniques, offering potential for footwear manufacturers and those who prefer formal shoes to understand the effect of designs on the slip-resistance of a footwear for better safety.