Center of pressure and perceived stability in basketball shoes with soft and hard midsoles

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying midsole hardness on center of pressure (COP) and perceived stability during basketball-specific tasks, as well as the correlation between COP and perception measurements. Twenty male basketball players performed 45° cutting and lay-up while wearing basketball shoes with soft and hard midsoles. COP trajectories were obtained from the Pedar insole system. Stability perceptions at the forefoot and rearfoot were assessed using 150-mm visual analogue scales (VAS). Results indicated greater COP mediolateral deviations in soft midsole compared with hard midsole during lay-up (soft 16.6 ± 4.7 mm, hard 15.8 ± 4.6 mm, p = .025) but not 45° cutting (soft 15.7 ± 5.9 mm, hard 15.8 ± 5.6 mm, p = .601). While 16 out of 20 participants preferred soft midsole, no significant difference in VAS ratings was found between shoes for both tested movements. There was no significant correlation between COP and perceived stability during lay-up or 45° cutting. In conclusion, midsole hardness of basketball shoes did not consistently affect mediolateral stability of the foot during 45° cutting and lay-up. Subjective perception alone cannot be used to indicate mediolateral deviation of the foot when executing basketball-specific maneuvers.