Sex differences in young adults on comfort and foot skin temperature using different running shoes lacing

This study examined the impact of sex and lacing pattern on foot skin temperature (Tsk) and comfort during running. Twenty-four recreational runners participated in two treadmill trials involving cross-lacing and heel-lock lacing. Tsk and comfort were measured before and after 20 min of running at 10 km/h. Results revealed higher post-exercise Tsk with cross-lacing compared to heel-lock lacing (p = 0.003). Females had lower pre-exercise Tsk but higher post-exercise Tsk than males (p < 0.001). Heel-lock lacing was perceived as more comfortable (p < 0.05), and females reported higher heart rates and perceived exertion (p < 0.001). The mechanical work of running is crucial for the impact of lacing patterns on Tsk. Increased Tsk with cross-lacing negatively influences comfort, suggesting that lacing patterns can affect foot thermoregulation and subjective experience during running.