Why Is A Multi-Stud Configuration Preferred Over A Single Stud In Footwear Raking Tests For Safety Evaluations?

The primary preference for a multi-stud configuration in footwear raking tests stems from the need to replicate realistic pressure distribution while compensating for the limitations of industrial testing machinery. By arranging studs to mimic an athletic boot's forefoot, testers can distribute the machine's minimum force output across multiple contact points. This ensures the pressure (MPa) on each stud matches real-world match data, rather than creating artificially high loads on a single point.

A single-stud setup frequently results in unrealistic pressure data due to the minimum force requirements of testing equipment. The multi-stud configuration is the engineering solution to this problem, distributing the load to ensure authentic simulation while providing the mechanical stability necessary to prevent tilting during the drag test.

The Challenge of Load Management

Overcoming Equipment Constraints

Industrial testing rigs often possess a minimum force output that is quite high.

If this minimum force is applied to a single stud, the resulting pressure is concentrated entirely on that one small surface area.

Achieving Realistic Pressure

Concentrating the load on a single point often exceeds the pressures observed in actual athletic scenarios.

By utilizing a multi-stud setup, the total load is shared. This reduces the pressure at each individual contact point, aligning the test data with actual match measurements.

Mechanical Stability and Accuracy

Mimicking the Forefoot

The configuration is not random; it is designed to mimic the forefoot layout of athletic boots.

This layout creates a contact patch that behaves more like a complete piece of footwear than an isolated component.

Preventing Tilt and Instability

A major technical failure in single-stud testing is the tendency for the stud to tilt or experience unstable displacement when dragged across a surface.

A multi-stud configuration anchors the testing foot. This stability ensures that the force measured is a result of friction and traction, rather than mechanical shifting or angling of the test device.

Common Pitfalls: The Risks of Single-Stud Testing

Misleading Pressure Data

When using a single stud, researchers risk generating data that reflects the machine's limitations rather than the shoe's performance.

Because the pressure cannot be distributed, the resulting values often skew higher than what an athlete effectively delivers to the ground.

Mechanical Failure of the Test

The physical mechanics of raking a single vertical object across a surface induce significant torque.

Without the stabilizing effect of neighboring studs, the device is prone to tilting. This movement alters the angle of attack, rendering the safety evaluation data inconsistent and unreliable.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

To ensure your safety evaluations are valid and defensible, consider how the physical setup impacts your data integrity.

If your primary focus is Representative Data: Ensure your configuration mimics the specific forefoot layout of the footwear to match pressure distribution with real-world match measurements.
If your primary focus is Test Stability: Avoid single-stud setups to eliminate the variables of tilting and unstable displacement during the drag phase.

Valid safety testing requires a setup that manages equipment force limits while maintaining a stable, realistic interaction with the surface.

Summary Table:

Feature	Single-Stud Configuration	Multi-Stud Configuration
Pressure Distribution	Highly concentrated; often exceeds real-world data	Distributed; mimics actual athlete forefoot pressure
Equipment Compatibility	Often incompatible with high minimum force outputs	Effectively manages high machine force outputs
Mechanical Stability	High risk of tilting and unstable displacement	Stable; prevents shifting during drag phases
Data Accuracy	Frequently skewed by machine limitations	High; reflects authentic match-day performance

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References

Angus Hughes, Matt Carré. Padded rugby clothing to prevent laceration and abrasion injuries from stud raking: a method of assessment. DOI: 10.1007/s12283-022-00369-2

This article is also based on technical information from 3515 Knowledge Base .