It is with great honor that the International Society of Biomechanics’ Footwear Biomechanics Group presents the Career Excellence Award in Footwear Science to Dr. Martyn Shorten.
Dr. Martyn Shorten has been a leader in footwear biomechanics for more than four decades. He earned his PhD in biomechanics from Loughborough University in 1984 and has held leadership roles at the forefront of sports science and product innovation, most notably as Director of the Nike Sport Research Lab in the mid-1980’s, as well as Director of International Research, Development and Design at PUMA AG in the early 90’s. Throughout his career, he has worked with many of the world’s leading footwear brands – driving innovation through science-based insights in cushioning, energy return, traction, performance and injury mechanisms.
While Dr. Shorten has worked extensively with industry, he has also published seminal peer-reviewed studies that have had a lasting impact on the field of footwear science. His work on the interpretation of the impact peak in vertical ground reaction forces challenged how researchers understand load transmission and overuse injuries. His contributions are known for being both technically rigorous and intellectually provocative.
Beyond research, Dr. Shorten has played a critical role in advancing industry standards. As chair of an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) subcommittee, he led the development of standards for shock attenuation, traction and flexibility. He also served as the scientific head of the Runner’s World shoe testing program, applying objective metrics to evaluative footwear performance and safety for the wider running community.
In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Shorten was the driving force in establishing the Footwear Biomechanics Group, by guiding its early development and creating collaboration across industry and academia. His leadership and insight have had a profound and lasting impact on the footwear biomechanics community.
Please join us in honoring the 2025 recipient of the Career Excellence Award in Footwear Science, Dr. Martyn Shorten.
Previous recipients of this prestigious award include Dr. Ned Frederick (2019), Dr. Benno Nigg (2021) and Dr. Joseph Hamill (2023).
Abstract Title: The joint angle based Local Dynamic Stability is linked to O2 consumption in running
Abstract Title: The Effects of Forefoot Bending Stiffness in Athletic Footwear on Stresses in the Second Metatarsal
Abstract Title: Knee Kinetics and Kinematics of Experienced Skiers With and Without ACL Reconstruction Performing Landings in Walking Boots
Abstract Title: Design and Function of Indoor versus Regular Custom-Made Footwear in People with Diabetes at High Ulcer Risk
Abstract Title: How do the foot and ankle adapt to changes in acceleration? The role of gear ratio and muscle tendon unit shortening velocity
- Shubham Gupta — A CFD-Based Experimental and Computational Approach to Evaluating Slip Resistance in Worn Shoe Outsole Designs
- Lee Rou You — Effects of advanced footwear technology shoes on race walking mechanics and performance: a randomized cross over study
- Laura Anne Furlong — Evaluation of a surrogate method of estimating calcaneal insertion position during running and effects on calculated Achilles tendon mechanics
- Giorgio Poletto — Effect of weightlifting shoes on stability during barbell squat in high intensity cross training athletes
- Fengping Li — Step into Stability: A Comparative Study of Sandal Designs and Strap Positions