Tribology model to characterise shoe friction and wear behaviours and its application to evaluating traction properties

Wear and tear growths of shoes are unavoidable, but this issue has hardly been investigated in the literature from the viewpoint of slip resistance to prevent pedestrian falls. This study suggests a shoe tribology model to explore friction and friction-induced wear developments of shoe heel/sole surfaces and identify their effects on traction controls. To verify the model, dynamic friction tests were performed between two popular shoe kinds: Polyurethane and Polyvinyl Chloride against a vinyl sheet under dry conditions. Their results were investigated quantitatively and qualitatively. Results clearly show that traction properties are not constant and primarily depend on material types. Findings from this study may enhance our understanding of shoe surface friction and wear behaviours and provide helpful information to develop better designs for heels/soles to prevent pedestrian fall incidents.