While linear traction is necessary during an athletic contest, it is generally accepted that excessive rotational traction results in high forces being transmitted to vulnerable anatomic structures which may then precipitate ankle and knee injuries. Our laboratory has combined mechanical testing of the football shoe-surface interface with human cadaver experiments to investigate rotational traction and its application to ankle injury. Chapter 1 provides an overview of artificial surfaces and documents injuries that may be related to the shoe-surface interface. In Chapter 2, rotational traction measurements are documented for ten football shoes across four surfaces. The artificial surfaces were found to exhibit higher peak torque and rotational stiffness in comparison to natural grass. Chapter 3 further investigates rotational traction on third-generation, artificial surfaces. Infill material and fiber type were found to significantly affect peak torque. Chapter 4 presents the results of a cadaver study on ankle injuries generated by excessive external rotation of the foot/ankle complex. The method of foot constraint affected the mode of failure and the amount of foot rotation at failure. Chapter 5 documents the development of a biofidelic ankle that may be used to assess the risk of ankle injury for various shoe-surface interfaces. Finally, Chapter 6 provides a synopsis of this thesis and offers recommendations for future areas of research. The data presented in this thesis may be applicable to injury prediction and be helpful in the development of future strategies for injury prevention.