Morpho-anthropometric characteristics of the feet in long-distance runners

The aim of this study was to determine the morpho-anthropometric characteristics of the feet and lower limbs in long-distance runners and to assess the associations between foot type, medial longitudinal arch condition, and lower limb alignment.

Materials and methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted including 308 runners (232 men and 76 women; mean age 38.2 ± 10.3 years). Anthropometric assessment was performed, along with determination of forefoot type, degree of flatfoot deformity, and lower limb alignment.

Results: The Egyptian foot type was identified in 42.5% of athletes, the Greek type in 30.2 %, and the square type in 27.3 %. Grade I–II flatfoot was observed in 60.7 % of participants, with significant sex-related differences in the distribution of arch deformity severity. No significant associations were found between foot type, body mass index, and medial longitudinal arch condition. Varus lower limb alignment was detected in 13.0% of runners and showed no statistically significant association with foot type or flatfoot severity.

Conclusion: Moderate degrees of arch flattening predominate among long-distance runners, while morphological foot characteristics appear relatively independent. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive morphotype assessment of the foot in sports medicine.

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