Effect of Shoelace Tightness in Safety Shoes on Static and Dynamic Balance and Gait Ability in Industrial Workers

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of shoelace tightness on the static balance, dynamic balance, and gait ability of safety shoes used by industrial workers. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-sixmale participants without ankle pain or foot conditions within the past three months were recruited from an industrial setting. Using a randomized crossover design, participants were assigned to two conditions; conditions 1 or 2 involved wearing safety shoes with tightly or loosely secured laces, respectively. Static balance was assessed via the single-leg test using a force plate, whereas dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-balance and functional reach tests. Gait ability was measured using the 10-m and Figure-8 Walk tests. Each test was repeated thrice, and the average values were recorded. Results: In the static balance tests, condition 1 showed a significant decreasein sway velocity and path length compared with condition 2 (p<0.05). Fordynamic balance, condition 1 demonstrated significantly higher functional reachand Y-balance scores than condition 2 (p<0.05). Additionally, the times forthe 10-m and Figure-8 walks test were significantly lower in condition 1(p<0.05). Conclusions: Tightly secured shoelaces improve balance and gait ability of industrial workers and enhancesafety by reducing balance-related injuries. Proper foot-shoe integration supports stability during demanding tasks and unexpected movements, thereby promoting a safer work environment.