Abstract:Objective To establish a foot-weightlifting shoe coupling model, investigate the biomechanical effects of midsole material variations during pull phase of the snatch, optimize the key parameters of weightlifting shoes, and reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries in athletes. Methods The foot-weightlifting shoe finite element model was constructed using the finite element method for simulation. Kinematic and dynamic data of the snatch movement were obtained using sports biomechanics methods. Statistical methods were employed to validate the effectiveness of the model and compare the impact of different midsole materials on foot stress distribution, bone stress, soft tissue stress, and midsole strain of the the athletes during pull phase of the snatch. Results When the midsole thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) had an elastic modulus of 20 MPa, the peak foot stress was minimized. As the elastic modulus of the midsole TPU increased, the foot stress peak also increased. Bone stress was concentrated in the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals of the forefoot, with the fourth metatarsal showing the peak stress. As the elastic modulus of the midsole increased, the peak stress in the metatarsal area gradually decreased, the peak stress in soft tissues gradually increased, and the strain in midsole decreased. Conclusions Midsole materials with an elastic modulus between 20–25 MPa have an advantage in reducing foot pressure and preventing bone injuries in the foot and ankle.