Futsal Shoe Cushioning System
Introduction
Futsal is a small-sided (5 v 5) game of soccer that takes place on a hard, indoor pitch and involves many more touches than a normal game of soccer. Played at a faster pace, this style of soccer requires quick thinking, and quick movements that are performed on a smooth, yet hard playing surface. Furthermore, the sole comes into contact with more than just the ground.
History
Since 1930, the sport has not seen too much adaptation beyond running/soccer shoes. Originally played on basketball courts, gum rubber soles were valued for their durability and comfort which was is a must for hard impact and sudden movements on the surface. As time progressed, fewer and fewer brands released futsal specific footwear, oftentimes pulling from their firm ground line and deleting all of the upper-performance features.
Biomechanics
Biomechanically, it is common for players to shuffle or pass the futsal ball using a combination of the sole to manipulate the path of the ball. Movements include hip adduction, hip internal rotation, knee flexion, knee external rotation knee abduction, ankle inversion (Rahman, N. A. A., & Shaharudin, 2018). Due to the single-leg reaching movements like striking and receiving the ball, it was found that futsal players have both better static and dynamic balance than that of basketball players.
Inspiration
A successful cushioning system for this sport is one that is firm, responsive, but also allows for energy return as many touches, passes, and steps run will be performed on this hard pitch. The inspiration behind the new futsal cushioning system revolves around the idea that quick movements create sweat and unwanted moisture inside the shoe. Moisture hinders precise movements needed to control the ball and move freely around the pitch. For these reasons, I looked into cooling seat cushioning and began to think of ways a sole could be fashioned to provide airflow from the compression of the sole (cushioning system) and provide airflow to the inside of the shoe. More common is a breathable upper, but while this works to some extent, having a billowing effect from the ground up would produce a more dramatic effect and bring down the internal temperature of the futsal shoe.
Patents
Many of the patents that exist do little to address how the actual outsole of the shoe could improve the aeration of the shoe’s inner climate. Most commonly, manufactures have gone the route of massaging/aerating insoles that are to improve comfort, reduce odors, and keep the feet cooler.
Unfortunately, these products are limited in their ability to control the shoes inner climate, and are sold separately to the shoes do to their variability in stiffness and foot shape.
