I think it is correct that offsets aren't more foot friendly.If they cause more damage,then the offset gap is too wide.My most foot friendly traps are center swiveled and I see no evidence of sliding .I would think if there were any sliding,with a center swivel,that the foot would end up in the center of the jaws.I have catches with the foot at either end or in the center and no evidence of sliding.I think this is due to a well designed and proportioned jaw gap.In this situation,I am talking about coyotes,fox and cats.

I also have a couple dozen traps that have swivels at the end of the frame and don't have too many feet end up opposite the swivel.We now are required to have swivels close to center so it will be interesing to see if this changes anything.

I also believe if there is cutting and fluids present,this can contribute to foot sliding.It is one of tbe reasons I like my jaws to not have sharp edges.A combination of this and a properly sized gap,I feel helps.An offset gap can be reduced quickly with a few strokes of a file to one offset lug on each end of the jaws.If the gap is wider in the center,I put the jaws in the vice and squeeze them in slightly.If the gap is too narrow in the center,you can put a flat piece of steel in that spot and again,compress in the vice.

I have no experience with the offset swivel that Red mentions but don't question the value of that.I have been mulling over a fluted jaw edge that could reduce foot sliding,and increase holding power,some.Probably not needed but I may set up one or two just to see what happens.

I will add,one reason to choose an offset is that an increasing number of States are requiring them.This may save you spending $70-$80 a dozen to change out jaws at some future date.I am not a fan of lugging jaws as it usually reduces lockup,at least without doing some extra work.

Some have also reported that land owners looked favorably on traps with offsets,when permission was being sought.Real or imagined benefit,this can be a plus in some cases.

2 very good post Taximan
Well done

Never had a problem with offsets or soft catch for live game.