Insole Research Articles

Association between changes in intrinsic foot muscle swelling and improvements in navicular drop height after toe flexor exercises

Background Exercise efficacy can be determined by muscle swelling confirmed through ultrasound, but this method has not been investigated for the intrinsic foot muscles (IFM). Objective To investigate changes over time in muscle swelling and navicular drop (ND) values after IFM exercises and evaluated the relationship between changes in muscle swelling and ND values. Methods In total, 40 feet (10 men; 10 women) were included. The navicular height (NVH) in sitting and standing positions and four IFM cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Measurements were taken pre-exercise, immediately, and 10 and 20 min after the toe flexor exercise (TFE) at 80% or greater intensity for 40 times. Changes over time in muscle swelling and ND values in men and women and their relationship were evaluated. Results Significant increases were observed in CSAs of all IFMs and improved navicular bone height in sitting and standing positions post-exercise. There was a moderate correlation between changes in CSAs of abductor hallucis (AbH) in women from pre-exercise and changes in ND values from pre-exercise up to 20 min post-exercise. Conclusion A positive correlation between AbH muscle swelling and ND values was observed in women, suggesting the importance of the AbH muscle in arch support.

Three-Dimensional Printed Auxetic Insole Orthotics for Flat Foot Patients with Quality Function Development/Theory of Inventive Problem Solving/Analytical Hierarchy Process Methods

Foot disorders affect approximately 10% of adults, with plantar heel pain significantly impacting foot-related quality of life and altering walking patterns. Flat feet, characterized by a lack of longitudinal arches, can lead to fatigue during walking. This study aims to develop 3D-printed shoe insoles tailored to the needs of patients. The design process incorporates Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods to create insoles that alleviate concentrated loads while meeting patient requirements. The AHP analysis indicated that patients prioritize insoles that effectively manage pressure distribution to achieve optimal functionality. QFD and TRIZ facilitated the identification of four product alternatives and production specifications. The analysis indicated that 3D-printed insoles made from TPU filament with 20% auxetic infill best align with patient preferences. This auxetic TPU option emerged as the top choice, achieving a priority value of 0.2506 due to its superior functionality and comfort. Load distribution measurements confirmed that TPU with auxetic infill resulted in the lowest load distribution, with a standard deviation of 0.1434 and a 25.4% reduction in maximum load compared to conditions without the insole.

Synthesis of shape-tunable PbZrTiO3 nanocrystals with lattice variations for piezoelectric energy harvesting and human motion detection.

PbZr0.7Ti0.3O3 cubes with tunable sizes and cuboids have been hydrothermally synthesized. PbZrTiO3 cubes with three different Zr : Ti atomic percentages were also prepared. Analysis of synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveals the presence of two lattice components for these samples. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images shows discernible lattice spot differences between the inner bulk and surface layer region for a PbZr0.7Ti0.3O3 cube, while a cuboid has distinct lattice spot deviations. The lattice variations yield different dielectric constant numbers for these two samples, despite being bound by the same crystal faces. The PbZrTiO3 crystals give size- and composition-dependent band gaps. Cuboids show notably larger piezoelectric and ferroelectric responses than cubes. Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) containing 30 wt% cuboids produce the highest open-circuit voltage of 20.36 V and short-circuit current of 2300 nA. The PENGs harvest energy through bending/releasing cycles to power devices and show photothermal pyroelectric activity. Moreover, a single 30 wt% cuboid PENG device integrated into a shoe insole can deliver an impressive 96.8% accuracy for human motion detection using a machine learning approach. This work illustrates that considerable lattice variation through crystal shape control is effective in enhancing material properties.

The Effect of Shoe Insole Stiffness Modifications on Walking Performance in Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

Shoes or insoles embedded with carbon fiber materials to increase longitudinal stiffness have been shown to enhance running and walking performance in elite runners, and younger adults, respectively. It is unclear, however, if such stiffness modifications can translate to enhanced mobility in older adults who typically walk with greater metabolic cost of transport compared to younger adults. Here, we sought to test whether adding footwear stiffness via carbon fiber insoles could improve walking outcomes (eg, distance traveled and metabolic cost of transport) in older adults during the 6-minute walk test. 20 older adults (10 M/10 F; 75.95 [6.01] y) performed 6-minute walk tests in 3 different shoe/insole stiffnesses (low, medium, and high) and their own footwear (4 total conditions). We also evaluated participants’ toe flexor strength and passive foot compliance to identify subject-specific factors that influence performance from added shoe/insole stiffnesses. We found no significant group differences in distance traveled or net metabolic cost of transport (P ≥ .171). However, weaker toe flexors were associated with greater improvement in distance traveled between the medium and low stiffness conditions (P = .033, r = −.478), indicating that individual foot characteristics may help identify potential candidates for interventions involving footwear stiffness modifications.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE METHOD OF DETERMINING THE LATERAL PRESSURE FACTOR ON THE METAL ARCH SUPPORT OF UNDERGROUND WORKINGS

Purpose. Justification and definition of the form of external load on metal arch support of underground workings, which is the main factor influencing the bearing capacity of the support. The relevance of this problem lies in the fact that, as a result of the war, metallurgical enterprises in the east of Ukraine were destroyed, which produced specialized rolled mining products used to manufacture fasteners for underground workings. As a result, mining enterprises developing mineral deposits by underground methods were forced to import rolled products of a similar profile from abroad. This is one of the reasons for the significant increase in both the cost of the fastener itself and the cost of the main product. Therefore, finding ways to reduce the metal consumption of mining fasteners with their bearing capacity unchanged is an urgent scientific and technical goal. Methodology. The research combines natural and analytical studies to determine the lateral pressure coefficient, which is the ratio of lateral loads on the mining fastening arch to vertical loads. This ratio is the main factor influencing the magnitude of bending moments in the arch body and its shape, the maximum value of which, in turn, determines the load-bearing fastening capacity. Results. As a result of the research, a dependence has been proposed that allows for specific mining and geological conditions to determine the value of the lateral pressure coefficient. A method has been proposed for determining the nature of the distribution of external load on steel arch fastenings of underground workings. This method will facilitate the development of appropriate models, on the basis of which it will be possible to propose an arch shape that maximizes bearing capacity while minimizing metal consumption . Scientific novelty. An analytical dependence is proposed that allows, based on in-kind measurements of the curvature of a real arch of a metal support, to determine the value of the lateral pressure coefficient, which is the main factor influencing the deformation capabilities of the support itself. Practical significance. The proposed method, which for specific mining and geological conditions based on the known distribution of external load, determined on the basis of the method created for the metal arch fastening of the capital extended workings, allows for determining such a form in which the costs of imported rolled mining will be minimized. Key words: lateral pressure factor, mining arch support, underground workings, bending moment, stress-strain state, methodology

Load bearing characteristics of a new support structure for rapid repair of damaged tunnels and related field tests

To address the need for rapid repair and emergency support of traffic capacity in damaged tunnels, this study proposed a new structure combining arches assembled from steel plates and shotcrete with high early strength and performance (hereinafter referred to as the steel-shotcreting structure) based on the concept of “modular assembly, rapid formation, and temporary-permanent combination”. It is designed to replace the traditional cast-in-place concrete arch repair technique. Based on the principle of equivalent stiffness, the load borne by the steel arches in the new support structure was analyzed. Numerical analyses were performed to examine the influences of steel arch spacing and the types of I beams and channel steel on the load-bearing capacity of the new structure under varying surrounding rock and tunnel span conditions. The new steel-shotcreting structure was applied in a tunnel in China and its load-bearing capacity was compared with that of traditional steel arch support structures. The results show that its load-bearing proportions were 13% and 18% under the conditions of grade IV and V surrounding rock, respectively. In large-span tunnels with unstable surrounding rock, reducing the longitudinal spacing of plate steel arches, upgrading the channel steel model for longitudinal connectors, and increasing the size of I beams can enhance the load-bearing performance of the whole structure. Compared to traditional steel arch support structures, the new structure is more adaptable, flexible, and stable and demonstrates better support effects. The research findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the rapid repair of damaged tunnels.

Impact of Silicone Arch Support on Energy Expenditure in Flexible Flatfeet Employees

Background: Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition affecting approximately 20-30% of the general population, leading to muscle tension and instability that can impact energy expenditure during walking. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Silicone Medial Arch Support in reducing energy expenditure during walking in individuals with flat feet compared to a control group. Methods: A total of 32 participants with flexible flat feet were selected through random sampling. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group using a sham insole and an intervention group using silicone medial arch support for two months. Energy expenditure was measured using VO? max. The average energy expenditure before using silicone medial arch support was 36.76 ± 5.03 ml/kg/min, which increased to 39.75 ± 4.05 ml/kg/min post-intervention (p < 0.001). For the sham insole group, the energy expenditure was 34.67 ± 2.44 ml/kg/min before and 34.87 ± 2.20 ml/kg/min after the intervention (p = 0.183). Results: The use of silicone medial arch support resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure compared to the sham insole group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study concludes that silicone medial arch support can reduce energy expenditure during walking in individuals with flat feet. These results suggest that incorporating well-designed arch support interventions can significantly improve biomechanical efficiency and comfort for individuals with flat feet. Future interventions should consider individual variations in foot morphology and activity levels to optimize support design, potentially integrating adjustable or customizable insoles to better address the diverse needs of this population.

Clinical Efficacy of a Contralateral Shoe Lift in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Induced Limb-Length Discrepancies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining an offloading device with a contralateral shoe lift to compensate for induced limb-length discrepancies in participants with plantar diabetes-related foot ulcers. Approach: Between March 2021 and December 2023, 42 consecutive patients with active plantar diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) were randomly assigned (1:1) to the treatment group (limb-length discrepancy compensation with a shoe lift in the therapeutic footwear of the contralateral limb) or a control group that did not receive limb-length discrepancy compensation. Primary outcomes included the 20-week wound-healing rate and wound area reduction. Secondary outcomes included minor amputation, new ulcers in the contralateral limb, perceived comfort, and hip pain. Results: On an intention-to-treat basis, 15 participants in the control and 19 in the treatment group showed ulcer healing (p = 0.0023). In those with >80% adherence to the offloading device, multivariate analysis showed that the shoe lifts improved ulcer healing time. The use of a shoe lift reduced the number of minor amputations and the occurrence of new ulcers in the contralateral limb (p = 0.035; p = 0.033 respectively). Hip pain and perceived comfort improved with the use of shoe lifts (p < 0.001). Innovation: It validates the use of shoe lifts for patients with DFUs, as it is the first largest study of its kind to establish a clear reference standard to guide clinician decision-making. Conclusion: The use of shoe lifts reduced healing time in participants with diabetes and active plantar foot ulcers. Shoe lifts reduce late complications, including new ulcers in the contralateral limb and minor amputations.

An Innovative Approach to Enhance the Durability and Sustainability of Shoe Insoles

This study presents an innovative approach to designing a shoe insole with enhanced durability, sustainability, and antibacterial properties. Needle-punched non-woven recycled polyester fabrics with three different GSMs (100, 200, and 300) were developed. The composite shoe insole was developed using non-woven fabric laminated with a polyurethane sheet to enhance durability. The fabrics were treated with an antibacterial finish with three different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) and subjected to 5 and 10 washing cycles. The developed composites were evaluated against their relative hand value, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, antibacterial activity, and overall moisture management capability. Overall results reveal that the developed composite shoe insole is durable, sustainable, and presents no bacterial growth, demonstrating the insole’s hygienic effectiveness.

An expository analysis of biomechanical and subjective impacts induced by shoe inserts in asymptomatic subjects: A systematic review on functionality and mechanisms of action

AbstractThis systematic review explores the biomechanical and subjective effects of shoe inserts, including foot orthotics (FOs) and insoles, in asymptomatic subjects. Aimed at understanding their implications, the review poses two key research questions: (i) the influence of shoe inserts on lower extremity biomechanics and subjective perception and (ii) the effects of different design characteristics on these aspects. Following Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines, a meticulous search of Scopus and PubMed from August 2022 to March 2023 yielded 34 articles, with 26 focusing on biomechanical effects and eight on comfort effects. The studies, conducted during static and dynamic activities, such as standing, walking, jogging, running, jumping, and cycling, reveal significant reductions in rearfoot eversion, knee joint forces, and lower extremity muscle forces through postings and wedging in FOs. Changes in stiffness impact rearfoot kinematics, plantar pressure distribution, and ankle–foot power distribution. Conversely, surface texture and arch variations demonstrate limited significance. FOs and shoe inserts, characterized by geometric, material, location, size, and fabrication features, effectively regulate forces and moments on the lower extremity. This control promotes uniform plantar pressure distribution and enhances comfort during various activities. These insights benefit manufacturers, clinicians, and stakeholders, providing a deeper understanding of the positive benefits of FOs and shoe inserts. However, further well‐designed studies on clinical populations are necessary to validate these findings and establish their clinical efficacy, as the current focus remains on healthy subjects.

Contribution of the plantar fascia and long plantar ligaments to the stability of the longitudinal arch of the foot

The contribution of the Plantar Fascia (PF) and Long Plantar Ligament (LPL), two ligaments extending from the hindfoot to the forefoot, to arch stability has been studied in the past using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methodologies. In silico studies were based on one single model obtained from one single subject and did not account for the known inter-subject morphological and biomechanical variations. In the present study, we developed computational dynamic models of nine different legs obtained from nine different individuals to evaluate the role of the LPL and PF in arch support, accounting for biological differences between subjects. These models were validated by comparing the simulation results against experimental results from the corresponding cadaver legs. After validation, we simulated body weight conditions for each model by applying a vertical load to the tibia, starting from zero and increasing linearly to 720 N. Kinematic and dynamic parameters, including the variation of the medial arch angle and of the navicular height, as well as the passive forces developed by the LPL and PF, were used to evaluate the contribution of these ligaments to arch support under body weight. The results indicate that a total collapse of the medial longitudinal arch occurred only when both the LPL and PF were absent, but a stable arch was maintained when either one of these two ligament structures were present. The results varied significantly among the specific models, highlighting the importance of using multiple models to account for inter-subject morphological differences.

Electrifying waste textiles: Transforming fabric scraps into high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators for biomechanical energy harvesting

Textiles are an integral part of daily life globally, but their widespread use leads to significant waste generation. Repurposing these discarded fabrics for energy harvesting offers a sustainable solution to both energy demand and textile waste management. In this study, Textile-based Triboelectric Nanogenerators (T-TENGs) were developed using recycled cloth as tribopositive layers and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film as the tribonegative layer, with aluminum foil tape serving as electrodes. Five different recycled textiles were evaluated, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed a correlation between yarn structure and carbon content, leading to enhanced triboelectric performance. Silk-based TENG (S-TENG) demonstrated the highest output, with 320.76 V and 8.73 µA, while exhibiting stable performance over 10,000 cycles. Practical applications were explored by integrating T-TENGs into shoe insoles for energy harvesting during walking and jumping, with rayon-based TENG generating up to 208.52 V on a PVC coil mat. This work highlights the dual benefits of waste reduction and sustainable energy applications, making a compelling case for advanced technologies where recycled textiles function as frictional materials to harvest mechanical energy from human motion and convert it into electrical energy for use in flexible sensors and wearable devices.

Gait in Controlled Ankle Movement (CAM) Walker Boot Using a Contralateral Shoe Lift

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Other Introduction/Purpose: Walking mechanics play a fundamental role in daily mobility and are significantly influenced by footwear choices, particularly in individuals with lower limb conditions. Among the interventions commonly used in rehabilitation settings are controlled ankle movement (CAM) boots and shoe lifts, which aim to provide support and improve gait dynamics. The purpose of this outcome study was to test how different a person walks when wearing the controlled ankle movement (CAM) boot and the shoe lift compared to walking with your running shoes. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study comprised of 30 participants, 15 men and women, who underwent three-level walking trials under the following conditions: athletic shoes, tall CAM boot, and tall CAM boot with a balancer added to the contralateral foot. Sixteen anatomical markers were placed on participants according to Vicon’s Plug-in Gait Full Body (PIGFB) model. Kinematic data and ground reaction forces were collected at 500 Hz and processed with the PIGFB biomechanical model and Vicon’s gait cycle parameters. Data post-processing provided spatiotemporal gait parameters (contact times, stride length, speed, time spent in stance/swing phases, cadence) and lower limb kinematics and kinetics (knee and hip joint angles, movement, and forces). A Two-Way ANOVA, using walking condition and gender as factors, followed by a Tukey Pairwise comparison identified significant effects of walking conditions on various gait characteristics. Results: In both limbs, cadence (p = 0.002) and step width (p &lt; 0.001) were significantly different in NB compared to CAM and CAMB. Specific to contralateral limb, stride time (p = 0.025), step time (p = 0.007), and limb index (p ≤ 0.001) were also affected. Regarding kinematics, the walking condition significantly affected contralateral hip abduction angle (p = 0.027). In addition, the walking condition had significant effect on the ipsilateral limb for both knee internal rotation (p = 0.024), and knee varus/adduction angle (p = 0.024). Regarding kinetics, the walking condition affected hip medial/lateral force (p =0.002), knee compression force (p =0.029), and knee varus/adduction moment (p = 0.024). The boot condition had the greatest hip force (5.7 N/kg) compared with the NB and CAMB conditions. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates significant changes in gait patterns and lower limb biomechanics when individuals wear a controlled ankle movement (CAM) boot and a shoe lift compared to athletic shoes. These results underscore the importance of considering footwear interventions in clinical and rehabilitation settings, as they can substantially influence gait patterns and biomechanical dynamics, highlighting the need for careful consideration in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

Physical characteristics inducing Sever's disease in junior gymnasts

ObjectiveThis prospective cohort study aimed to determine characteristics contributing to the development of Sever's disease in junior gymnasts. MethodsThis study included 74 limbs from 37 junior gymnasts. The Baseline demographic data, flexibility measurements, foot alignments, trunk function tests, and functional balancing tests were used for evaluation. The incidence of Sever's disease among this cohort was assessed for six months after the first evaluations. We categorized those diagnosed by medical specialists as having Sever's disease into a Sever's disease group, while those with no foot pain or other diagnosed pathologies were in a no-symptom group. ResultsThe Junior gymnasts with Sever's disease had a lower arch height ratio and lower anterior star excursion balance test values. ConclusionsSever's disease in junior gymnasts may be potentially prevented through using a medial longitudinal arch support and/or undertaking dynamic postural balance training.

Weaving fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerators and yarn-based sweat-activated batteries for dry-wet bimodal power supply in textile electronics

Textile-based energy systems, which can provide sustainable power in both dry and wet conditions, are ideal for wearable devices, especially electronic textiles used for motion monitoring, and have attracted much interest in recent years. In this work, we developed a hybrid energy fabric woven with fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs) and yarn-based sweat-activated batteries (Y-SABs) to achieve a dry-wet bimodal power supply. Single-electrode core-sheath F-TENGs were fabricated as dry-state energy harvesters, which could respond sensitively to repeated skin contact to produce transient spikes of open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current at 30 V and 2 µA, respectively. Since the wetting of the F-TENGs could result in a remarkable degradation of the triboelectric performance, coaxial Y-SABs with the output voltage of 0.58 V (external load=2 kΩ) were manufactured to supply power in the wet state sustainably. Both devices withstood 1500 times bending/twisting and 20 times machine washing. The F-TENGs and the Y-SABs were integrated with the conventional weaving technique to obtain a plain structured fabric, in which the TENG and SAB regions could successively generate electricity to power electronic devices under repeated skin contacts in the dry state and NaCl-solution activation in the wet state, respectively, without affecting each other. The hybrid energy fabric was further integrated into a shoe insole and a T-shirt for the on-body trials. During the volunteer’s running process, the system could provide electricity to charge a capacitor or illuminate LEDs in sweatless and sweaty conditions, demonstrating its great potential as a reliable and sustainable dry-wet bimodal power source in wearable applications.

Biomechanical effect between conventional and 3-dimensional printed customized foot orthoses on medial longitudinal arch support and rearfoot angle in adults with flexible flatfeet.

Customized foot orthoses are used to treat flexible flatfoot regarding medial longitudinal arch (MLA) support, alignment correction, and pain management. Recently, 3-dimensional (3D) printing orthosis has become the focus of discussion regarding function and manufacturing. We aimed to investigate differences in biomechanical effects between flat insole (Flat), conventional foot orthosis (Cinsole), and 3D printed foot orthosis (3Dinsole) use on MLA support and rearfoot alignment during walking in adult flexible flatfeet. Twelve men with flexible flatfoot were recruited. Data were collected and analyzed using a Vicon motion capture system under 3 trial conditions: Flat and >1 month after using Cinsole and 3Dinsole. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests was used to compare kinematics variables, foot pain, and satisfaction. Dynamic navicular drop significantly reduced with the use of the Cinsole and 3Dinsole compared with Flat (P < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.65). The maximum rearfoot eversion angle with the use of the Cinsole and 3Dinsole significantly reduced from Flat (P < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.56). Foot pain score significantly decreased after using foot orthoses; satisfaction between Cinsole and 3Dinsole was not significantly different. Thus, Cinsole and 3Dinsole are effective alternative treatments of MLA support and rearfoot alignment in adults with flexible flatfoot. 3D printing is a future technology with potential to replace conventional production methods. However, material characteristics, design, and manufacturing process can affect treatment outcomes; hence, our results may not represent all variations of 3D printed foot orthoses.

Microwave Radiation Assisted Construction of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Flexible Sensors

AbstractWith the rapid development of the internet of things, the simple preparation of sensors has become a challenge. The present work presents the simple preparation of flexible sensors by using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing combined with the microwave radiation‐assisted treatment of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive fillers to create the flexible sensors. The as‐prepared TPU/CNT composites exhibit the 7.27 MPa tensile strength and 401% elongation at break, similar to those of the pure TPU. After 200 tensile cycles, the TPU/CNT composites can still stably convert pressure into electrical signals, which can be used as flexible sensors with high sensitivity (0.879 kPa−1). In addition, shoe insoles and finger cover with sensing performance are fabricated through the FDM 3D printing technology, demonstrating the potential of the sensors to monitor human gait, finger straightening, and bending movements. The as‐proposed method involves the embedding CNTs as conductive fillers on the surface of TPU to form the TPU/CNT composite conductive layers on the surface of TPU, which is beneficial for maintaining the elasticity of the polymer matrix. The challenges in preparing stable, low‐cost, and scalable flexible sensors and highlights of the advantages of 3D printing technology in manufacturing flexible piezoresistive sensors are also deeply discussed.

Effect of Medial Arch Support Foot Orthosis on Pressure Distribution and Peak Pressure in Women with Hallux Valgus

Effect of Medial Arch Support Foot Orthosis on Pressure Distribution and Peak Pressure in Women with Hallux Valgus

Antibacterial Efficiency of Quaternary Ammonium Silane-Coated Shoe Insoles Using the Sol-Gel Technique

Antibacterial Efficiency of Quaternary Ammonium Silane-Coated Shoe Insoles Using the Sol-Gel Technique

Prefabricated contoured foot orthoses to reduce pain and increase physical activity in people with hip osteoarthritis: A randomised feasibility trial.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that leads to impaired quality of life and a substantial economic burden. Encouraging physical activity, particularly walking, is crucial for OA management, but many individuals with hip OA fail to meet recommended activity levels. Prefabricated contoured foot orthoses have shown promise in improving hip muscle efficiency during walking in laboratory settings, but their real-world feasibility and efficacy remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated contoured foot orthoses, prescribed via telehealth, in people with hip OA. This feasibility trial randomised 27 participants with hip OA into two groups: prefabricated contoured foot orthoses or flat shoe inserts. Feasibility outcomes were assessed, including recruitment rate, adherence, logbook completion, and dropout rate. Patient-reported outcomes and accelerometer-measured physical activity were collected as secondary outcomes. While the recruitment rate was low (0.88 people/week), adherence to the intervention (59%), logbook completion (93%), and dropout rates (7%) met or exceeded our predefined feasibility parameters. Participants found the intervention acceptable, and practicality was demonstrated with minor adverse events. Preliminary efficacy testing indicated that prefabricated contoured foot orthoses positively affected physical activity (adjusted mean difference=2590 [260 to 4920] steps/day), with comparable outcomes for hip-related quality of life and pain. This trial supports proceeding to a fully powered RCT to assess the effect of teleheath prescribed prefabricated contoured foot orthoses on physical activity in people with hip OA. National Institutes of Health Trial Registry (NCT05138380).