Optimizing skate fit and comfort design using statistical shape model of foot shape and sensitivity

The design and fit of sporting equipment play a significant role in an athlete’s comfort, performance, and injury risk. The case is similar for hockey skates, where inter-individual variations in foot shape and sensitivity can influence skate comfort and fit, and subsequent performance. Hockey skate design is further challenged as skates need to function in a variety of maneuvers and movements athletes perform while skating. As a leading Canadian hockey equipment manufacturer, CCM hockey continually seeks to enhance the design of skate and padding to improve athlete’s fit, comfort, and performance. Partnered with the Human Performance Lab, CCM aims to further improve the design of hockey skates and padding using statistical shape model of foot shape and sensitivity. The findings of this project can be broadly applied to serve as a guide for future skate design.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brent Edwards

Student:

Partner:

Sport Maska Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Retail trade; Wholesale trade

University:

University of Calgary

Program: