Improving sports footwear accessibility

Hi! I’m a Sports Design Engineering student researching ways to make sports footwear easier and more comfortable to fasten — especially for athletes or active people who experience hand dexterity challenges (such as stiffness, injury, or conditions like cerebral palsy or arthritis).

All responses are anonymous and will only be used for academic research.

Thank you for your time and contribution — your insights could directly influence the design of more inclusive and high-performance footwear!
What is your age group?

Hi! I’m a Sports Design Engineering student researching ways to make sports footwear easier and more comfortable to fasten — especially for athletes or active people who experience hand dexterity challenges (such as stiffness, injury, or conditions like cerebral palsy or arthritis). All responses are anonymous and will only be used for academic research. Thank you for your time and contribution — your insights could directly influence the design of more inclusive and high-performance footwear! What is your age group?

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55+

Which of these describes you best

Recreational athlete

Competitive athlete

Non-athlete / general user

Physiotherapist / occupational therapist

Coach/trainer

What sports or activities are you involved in?

Do you experience any (e.g. arthritis, cerebral palsy, injury, reduced mobility, tremor, reduced sensation)?

Yes

Prefer not to say

If yes, please describe briefly

What kind of fastening system do you currently use most often?

Traditional laces

Elastic laces

Velcro straps

BOA dial system

Slip-on / zip-up shoes

other

Other (please specify):

How easy do you find fastening or adjusting your shoes?

Very easy

Easy

Neutral

Somewhat challenging

Very challenging

What are the some challenges you may often encounter?

Laces come undone during activity

Fastening takes longer than desired

Difficult to use in the cold

Finger pain or stiffness

Lack of grip or fine motor control

None of the above

If any other please specify:

How often do you need help from someone else to tie or adjust your footwear?

Never

Sometimes

Often

Always

What areas, if improved, would you most value in a new shoe fastening system?

Ease of use

Speed

Comfort

Secure fit

Appearance

Works with gloves / cold hands

Adjustable tension in different parts of foot

Would you be open to replacing your laces with a different type of product if it offered improved performance and comfort?

Yes

Maybe

If the product looks different to traditional laces, would it make you think twice about wearing them with your shoes?

When removing and putting on your shoes, do you unlace them?

Do you skip holes when lacing your shoes?

Do you double knot your shoes?

Do you feel current sports footwear designs are inclusive for people with limited hand dexterity?

Yes

Not sure

Any additional words?

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts — it really helps shape inclusive sports design! 🙏

By submitting this form you confirm that:

*You are happy for your responses to be used for research purposes

*You acknowledge that your responses are anonymous