Effects of shoe-length mismatch on gait speed and sagittal-plane lower-limb joint motion in healthy adults.

[Purpose] This study examined the impact of shoe-foot length mismatch on gait speed and sagittal-plane lower-limb joint motion in healthy adults during comfortable and maximal-effort walking. [Participants and Methods] Thirty healthy adults participated in the study. Four shoe-length conditions were tested: an appropriately fitted condition and oversized conditions in which shoes were 1-, 2-, and 3 cm longer than the appropriate length. Shoe width was standardized to the appropriate-size for each participant. Gait speed was assessed via 10 m gait time under comfortable and maximal-effort conditions. Sagittal-plane motion of the hip, knee, and ankle joints was recorded. [Results] 10 m gait time increased with shoe length. During comfortable walking, 10 m gait time was significantly longer in the 2- and 3 cm longer conditions, whereas no significant difference was observed in the 1 cm longer condition. During maximal-effort walking, 10 m gait time was significantly longer in all oversized conditions. Sagittal-plane joint motion also increased with shoe length, particularly at the hip and knee, with significant increases primarily observed in these joints. [Conclusion] Shoe-foot length mismatch prolonged 10 m gait time and increased sagittal-plane lower-limb joint motion. Clinicians should recognize that even minor shoe-foot length mismatch may reduce gait efficiency.