Final answer:
Padded soles in running shoes reduce forces by increasing the duration over which the impact occurs, decreasing impact force, absorbing energy, and distributing weight, akin to the natural cushioning effect of soft ground.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Padded Shoes Reduce Pressure
Padded soles in running shoes are designed to soften the blow of hitting the pavement, effectively reducing the forces involved when bringing your foot to rest. This is because the padding in the shoes increases the duration over which the impact occurs, thus decreasing the impact force. By extending the time over which the foot slows down from the vertical speed of jogging, the shoes and the natural arches of the foot work together to absorb energy and distribute weight more evenly, preventing a sharp, high force from reaching the bones, joints, and muscles.
When you run, especially on hard surfaces, your feet experience significant force with each step. Without proper cushioning, this can lead to overuse injuries like stress fractures. Padded shoes provide that necessary cushioning, imitating the effects of running on softer ground which naturally provides a similar shock-absorption by dispersing the force over a larger area and longer time.
Regarding the effects of padding on pressure and force, physics explains this with the concept of impulse, which is the product of force and the time over which it acts. More padding means a greater amount of time for the impulse to act, reducing the force that results from a given impact—just like a carpeted floor is safer for children at a daycare center compared to a tile floor due to its ability to absorb more impact force. Additionally, proper shoe design can prevent excessive stress and enhance performance in various conditions, including dry and wet surfaces.