Our Conclusion

What we found out from this experiment might not be true. We could have miscalculated when the sneaker started to move, and our theory is probably not consistent. For example, a possible source of error was the semi-running shoe's starting frictions. It was much higher than the other's. From this experiment we learned that the semi-running and walking shoe has the greatest friction. We found out that the running shoe's friction was much less than the other's too, so the data could have been correct or miscalculated. Also, we learned that the shoe's friction varies according to the type of tread pattern.

The Procedure

The question that is to be answered is what kind of tread pattern has the most friction. Before you start, you must have a table of some kind. It must include 4 rows, 1 labeled starting friction, 1 labeled sideways stopping friction, 1 labeled forward stopping friction, and 1 labeled shoe type (tennis, running, hiking, basketball,etc.).* It must also have 3 columns for 3 trials. Make 1 of these charts per sneaker. After that, bend a paperclip in a hook-like shape, 1 for each of the 3 or more sneakers.
Tape 1 paperclip to the front of each shoe with duct tape. Then fill the sneakers with small objects or weights, until each sneaker is exactly 500g, including the paperclip and tape. Next, hook the friction meter (spring scale) to the paperclip, and pull away from the shoe. Watch the shoe carefully, and when you see it start to move, quickly check the measurement on the friction meter, and record it under the column on you chart labeled "starting friction". Repeat this until you have performed a total of 3 trials for each sneaker.
Remove the tape and paperclip from the front, and re-tape the paperclip to the side of the sneaker. (For best results, replace the duct tape every 2 times or so.) Hook the friction meter on to the paperclip, and pull away from the sneaker. Watch the shoe carefully, and when you see it start to move, quickly check the measurement on the friction meter, and record it under the column on you chart labeled "side stopping friction". Repeat this until you have performed a total of 3 trials for each sneaker.
Re-tape the paperclip to the back of the sneaker, and again pull the sneaker, and watch carefully until you see the sneaker start to move. Look at the measurement on the meter, and record it under the column on you chart labeled "stopping friction". Do this again until you have a total of 3 trials for each sneaker.

Note: Do not use cleats, because this experiment will not work with them.