Exploring Footwear Selection and Use in Trail Running and Hiking: A Survey of User Preferences

Category

Health and Environmental Sciences

Description of research project

The purpose of this study is to better understand how people choose footwear for trail running and hiking, and how these choices relate to their experiences, preferences, and any injuries they may have had. We are particularly interested in how different factors—such as age, gender, experience level, and activity goals—might influence the types of footwear people use and the reasons behind their choices.

The key questions we are exploring include:
• What types of off-road footwear do people use for trail running or hiking?
• What motivates their footwear choices (e.g., comfort, performance, injury prevention)?
• How do people prefer to buy or receive advice about footwear?
• Are there any links between footwear choices and injuries or symptoms experienced
during these activities?

We are inviting adults who regularly participate in trail running or hiking to complete an online survey. The survey includes questions about participants’ background, footwear habits, preferences, and injury history. By taking part, participants will help us build a clearer picture of how footwear choices are made and how they relate to comfort, performance, and injury.
This information could help guide future footwear design, retail advice, and injury prevention strategies for off-road runners and hikers.

Take the survey now

Inclusion and/or exclusion criteria

We would like to hear from anyone who is over the age of 18, lives in Aotearoa, and hikes or trail runs occasionally (at least 1-2x per year).

You will be unable to participate if you are under the age of 18, do not participate in either hiking or trail running, or cannot complete the survey in English.

Statement of ethics approval

Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 2025-11-05 for 3 years.

AUTEC approval number

25/357

Contact person

Aaron Jackson, aaron.jackson@aut.ac.nz