Footwear Design Research Articles

SUSTAINABLE FOOTWEAR DESIGN: BALANCING COMFORT, FUNCTIONALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the footwear industry, with consumers demanding products that are not only comfortable and functional but also environmentally friendly. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of sustainable footwear design, focusing on the balance between comfort, functionality, and environmental impact. The first part of the paper examines the current state of the footwear industry, highlighting the environmental issues associated with traditional footwear manufacturing processes and materials. It then discusses the growing interest in sustainable footwear design and the need for innovative solutions to reduce the industry's environmental footprint. Next, the paper explores various aspects of sustainable footwear design, including material selection, manufacturing processes, and product life cycle. It discusses the importance of using eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics, organic cotton, and sustainable leather alternatives, as well as the benefits of incorporating sustainable practices into the design process. The paper also considers the challenges of balancing sustainability with comfort and functionality. It discusses the importance of designing footwear that meets the needs of consumers while also minimizing environmental impact, highlighting the role of innovative design and technology in achieving this balance. Keyword: sustainable footwear design, comfort, functionality, environmental impact, eco-friendly materials, innovation

Influence of altered torsional stiffness through sole modification of air pressure shoes on lower extremity biomechanical behaviour during side-step cutting maneuvers.

Directional changes in cutting maneuvers are critical in sports, where shoe torsional stiffness (STS) is an important factor. Shoes are designed based on different constructions and movement patterns. Hence, it is unclear how adjustable spacers into the sole constructions of air pressure chambers (APC) affect the STS in side-step cutting. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of altered STS through adjustable sole spacers on ground reaction force (GRF) and ankle and knee joint moments in side-step cutting. Seventeen healthy recreational athletes performed side-step cutting with experimental conditions including (i) barefoot (BF), (ii) unaltered shoes (UAS): soles consisting of APC, and (iii) altered shoes (AS): modified UAS by inserting elastomeric spacers into cavities formed by APC. Mechanical and biomechanical variables were measured. Significant differences were revealed across shoe conditions for impact peak (p = 0.009) and impulse (p = 0.018) in vertical GRF, time to achieve peak braking (p = 0.004), and peak propulsion (p = 0.025) for anterior-posterior GRF in ANOVA test. No significant differences were observed in GRF peaks and impulses between UAS and AS except for a trend of differences in impact peak (p = 0.087) for vertical GRF. At the ankle and knee joint, peak ankle power absorption (p = 0.019), peak knee internal rotation moment (p = 0.042), peak knee extension moment (p = 0.001), peak knee flexion moment (0.000), peak knee power absorption (p = 0.047) showed significant difference across three shoe conditions. However, no significant differences between the UAS and AS were noticed for peak joint moments and power. Altered shoe torsional stiffness did not significantly affect the peak forces and peak ankle and knee joint moments or powers; hence sole adjustment did not influence the cutting performance. This study might be insightful in sports footwear design, and adjusting shoe torsional stiffness by sole modification might be advantageous for athletes playing sports with cutting maneuvers to reduce the risk of injuries by controlling the twisting force at the ankle that frequently happens during cutting maneuvers.

Application of Simple Foot Shape Measuring Device in the Process of Shoe Selection

Foot shape measurement is a key technology to obtain foot shape and size data, which is crucial for footwear design, production, and the comfort and health of consumers wearing shoes. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the method and technique of foot shape measurement and its application in footwear design and comfort evaluation. Combined with the simple foot shape measuring device designed and developed by the author, a foot shape measuring device with simple structure design and its application in the process of shoe selection are discussed. Through the comparison of different measuring equipment and the analysis of the relationship between foot shape data and footwear design, it provides a useful reference and guidance for footwear industry.

3D knitted fabric as an element of footwear for people with diabetic foot syndrome

This article examines the anthropotechnical design of orthopedic footwear for patients with diabetic foot syndrome. A 3D spacer knitted fabric was used as a barrier between the researcher's foot and the ground. For the purpose of the research, 7–11 mm thick knitted fabrics with longitudinal elasticity from 45–90 kPa were designed and produced on a double-bar warp knitting machine. The FreeMed Professional mat was used to measure the pressures exerted by the foot on a “bare” walking surface and on the surface equipped with the spacer knitted fabric and compared, proving that in the latter case the unit pressure on the patient's foot decreased by 30%. The obtained measurements provide a good starting point for further research on the optimization of loads on human feet.

Enhancing Footwear Safety for Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Design Features.

Falls are a global concern affecting people of all ages; however, older adults are particularly vulnerable to age-related factors and foot-related issues. Footwear is critical for preventing falls, as it provides stability and protection against slips, trips, and falls (STFs). However, a significant gap exists in the systematic exploration of the safety aspects of footwear design for fall prevention in older adults. This comprehensive review applied a meticulous search strategy encompassing prominent databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, ResearchGate, and PubMed. This review synthesized and analyzed existing research to bridge knowledge gaps and provide insights into optimal footwear choices for older adults in terms of design features such as fit, fixation, heel height, collar height, slip resistance, and sole/insole hardness. The results underscore the importance of specific design features for preventing falls among older adults. A proper fit, secure fixation, appropriate heel and collar heights, slip resistance, and sole/insole hardness significantly contributed to fall prevention. These findings offer valuable guidance for optimizing footwear designs to enhance comfort, stability, and safety in the daily lives of older individuals. This comprehensive review fills a critical knowledge gap regarding the safety of footwear designs for fall prevention in older adults. The identified design features play a vital role in reducing the risk of falls and offer practical recommendations for the development of safer footwear. Ultimately, this study contributes to the existing knowledge base and supports efforts to prevent STFs in older adults through improved footwear design.

A Study Protocol to Investigate the Influence of Shoe Collar Height on Coordination and Plantar Pressure Distribution during Locomotion in Young Adults

Introduction: Higher collar heights are often associated with increased ankle support and stability while lower collar heights may allow for greater ankle flexibility. The design of footwear, particularly the height of the collar, plays a crucial role in influencing how individuals move and distribute pressure on their feet during various activities. Aim: To investigate how high-cut, low-cut and mid-cut shoes affects coordination and plantar pressure distribution during walking in young adults. Materials and Methods: Ninety-five healthy college-going students aged between 18-25 years wearing casual shoes for atleast six hours a day for 5 days a week for more than 6 months will be recruited through convenience sampling method. Participants shall be grouped based on the design and cut height of their shoes into high-cut, low-cut and mid-cut categories. Coordination tests under barefoot and shod conditions will be used to assess coordination. Plantar pressure in barefoot condition for different foot regions will be determined through Harris mat and Podia Scan® software. Results: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test will be used to determine normality (n>50). Parametric (Paired t-test) or non-parametric test (Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test) will be used for within-group analysis. For between-group analysis, parametric (One-way ANOVA) or nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis H test) will be used. Conclusion: Understanding the relationship between shoe collar height and lower extremity coordination as well as foot pressure distribution is crucial for designing footwear that optimises performance, minimises injury risk, and enhances overall movement efficiency across various physical activities

Evaluation of professional footwear and its relationships with the foot structure among clinical nurses.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate professional footwear comfort, functionality and style as well as their relationships with the foot structure among nurses. Methods: We examined 120 clinical nurses aged 40-50 years, occupationally active, wearing specific type of foot-wear at work for a minimum of 7 h a day, for 5 days prior to the research. The study relied on the CQ-ST podoscope for measurements of foot. Perception of footwear comfort, functionality and style scales were also used in the research. The results were analysed with the use of Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Statistically significant negative associations were found between right and left foot length and overall comfort of footwear ( p = 0.045, p = 0.045) as well as between right and left foot width and arch height ( p = 0.015, p = 0.028). Heel angle positively correlated with safety ( p = 0.008, p = 0.050), ease of donning and doffing ( p = 0.001, p = 0.004), as well as shoe style ratings ( p = 0.047). Variables determining shoe comfort were positively correlated with most shoe functionality characteristics as well as with shoe style (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Tested medical footwear meets the requirements of nurses in terms of comfort, functionality and aesthetics, and the studied features of footwear can be a useful guideline for the selection of shoes for representatives of this professional group. These footwear can be an element of workwear, and even, in the case of women with transverse flat feet - an alternative to ordinary utility shoes. There is a need to consider different widths for the same length size in medical footwear designs.

Correlation between Weight Distribution on the 5th Metatarsal of Right and Left Foot in Youngsters using Podata Postural Stabilometric Foot Plate

Background: The human foot's complex structure plays a vital role in stability and support during various activities. Understanding the weight distribution across the metatarsal bones, particularly the 5th metatarsal, is crucial for maintaining optimal foot health and functionality. Previous studies have indicated variability in weight distribution between the left and right feet, influencing gait patterns and overall foot health. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between weight distribution on the 5th metatarsal of the right and left foot in young adults, providing insights into foot biomechanics and informing clinical practices and footwear design. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional observational design, the study included 140 individuals aged between 18 and 29 years. Participants with severe musculoskeletal or neurological conditions, pregnancy, or inability to maintain a standing posture were excluded. Weight distribution was assessed using the Podata Postural Stabilometric Foot Plate. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, and calculation of confidence intervals, performed using SPSS Version 25. Results: The mean weight on the 5th metatarsal was 0.467 kg for the left foot (standard deviation: 0.331) and 0.995 kg for the right foot (standard deviation: 0.774). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.45) was found between the weight distributions on the left and right 5th metatarsals, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.01. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant discrepancy in weight distribution on the 5th metatarsal between the left and right feet among young adults. These findings have critical implications for personalized podiatric care and the design of orthotic devices and footwear, emphasizing the need for further research in foot biomechanics and health.

Alteration of cognitive function and locomotor coordination by top-of-the-foot applied perturbations

Footwear is essential for human locomotion and can influence various aspects of human behaviour. While the impact of most footwear features on locomotion and human behaviours has been studied extensively during the last 50 years, the footwear upper is very little studied. In particular, the impact of the footwear upper on cognition, movement coordination, and task performance is virtually unknown. In this study, vibrations of different intensities applied to the foot upper during the execution of basic locomotory tasks were used to determine the impact of the footwear upper on cognition and movement coordination. Sixteen participants were recruited for this study and asked to perform several locomotory tasks while undergoing an auditory Stroop test. Vibrations of various intensities were applied to the footwear upper using a set of five vibrators placed on high-sensitivity areas of the foot. The effects of vibrations on comfort level using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and cognition, postural balance, and sway were quantified using an auditory Stroop test, and inertial sensors derived movement coordination. The findings revealed a clear linear relationship between the intensity of vibrations and the perceived level of comfort. However, during walking, no linear correlation was observed between the vibration intensity and reaction time. On the other hand, during standing, a significant correlation between the vibration intensity and reaction time was observed. Moreover, the results demonstrated that as the vibration intensity increased during the standing condition, the magnitude of body sway also increased non-linearly. Finally, the results suggest that attaining an optimal level of comfort can improve attention and cognitive processes. This study highlights the importance of footwear uppers on cognitive and biomechanical performance. Vibration intensity affects comfort and reaction time differently for standing and walking. Some of these findings could have implications for footwear design both from a comfort and performance perspective.

The Influence of Materials on Footwear Behaviour: A Finite Element Simulation Study.

The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of materials and their position within the upper assembly on the behaviour of casual footwear using finite element simulation tools. The study was carried out on three models of casual footwear, which are identical in terms of design lines, varying only in the materials of the upper assembly, namely calfskin leather (M1), knitted fabric (M2), and combination of knitted fabric and calfskin leather (M3). The footwear models were designed according to the design constraints specific to casual footwear. The foot was reconstructed based on the shoe last obtained based on anthropometric data. Material definition, 3D models editing, setting up analysis conditions, and constraints were performed using the Ansys 17.2 software. Gait biomechanics were taken into account to define the loading model, force distribution, force values, and constraints. The study evaluates footwear behaviour in terms of directional deformation (Z axis), equivalent von Mises stress, and equivalent elastic strain distribution. This paper explores a methodology that has the potential to enhance the footwear design and manufacturing process, providing designers with information about the deformations and stress distribution on upper parts of the footwear product.

Towards functionally individualised designed footwear recommendation for overuse injury prevention: a scoping review

Injury prevention is essential in running due to the risk of overuse injury development. Tailoring running shoes to individual needs may be a promising strategy to reduce this risk. Novel manufacturing processes allow the production of individualised running shoes that incorporate features that meet individual biomechanical and experiential needs. However, specific ways to individualise footwear to reduce injury risk are poorly understood. Therefore, this scoping review provides an overview of (1) footwear design features that have the potential for individualisation; and (2) the literature on the differential responses to footwear design features between selected groups of individuals. These purposes focus exclusively on reducing the risk of overuse injuries. We included studies in the English language on adults that analysed: (1) potential interaction effects between footwear design features and subgroups of runners or covariates (e.g., age, sex) for running-related biomechanical risk factors or injury incidences; (2) footwear comfort perception for a systematically modified footwear design feature. Most of the included articles (n = 107) analysed male runners. Female runners may be more susceptible to footwear-induced changes and overuse injury development; future research should target more heterogonous sampling. Several footwear design features (e.g., midsole characteristics, upper, outsole profile) show potential for individualisation. However, the literature addressing individualised footwear solutions and the potential to reduce biomechanical risk factors is limited. Future studies should leverage more extensive data collections considering relevant covariates and subgroups while systematically modifying isolated footwear design features to inform footwear individualisation.

From Ancient Traditions to Modern Design: Interpretation of Some Ornaments on Leathercraft Items

Information about the art and design of Tatar footwear, revealed in different historical records, travel diaries, and descriptions of museum collec- tions, is of great importance. It allows us to assume a strong traditionalism of leather mosaic in the Tatar folk decorative and applied arts. This assumption is also supported by the stylistic uniformity of a large number of decorative mo- tifs, the similarity of principles in composition and colour solutions identified with the comparative analysis of leather mosaic and other traditional types of national applied art. The development of style and technical methods of leath- er mosaic can be assessed by retrospective comparison with later monuments. Wise selection of innovations has always been a wizard of classical folk art. Folk craftsmen had an amazing intuition and only features suitable for adaptation and standardisation were included in the traditional art set. Due to the histor- ical succession, the art of leather mosaic stepped over the centuries, perfecting and improving its distinctive features.

A Review of the Potential Effects of the World Athletics Stack Height Regulation on the Footwear Function and Running Performance

This review aims to synthesize and discuss the potential effects of a stack height modification on the function of the different footwear features and their effects on running performance. Peer-reviewed studies were identified from electronic databases using a structured keyword search and a screening process. Complementary sources were used to illustrate and discuss the current racing footwear constructions. With regard to the shoe mass, it is suggested that a stack height difference of 20 mm could induce a meaningful effect on performance. With respect to the midsole properties, it seems that reducing the stack height does not alter the energy returned, given that the lower midsole deformation is counteracted with an increased stiffness. However, it should be noted that this might affect the timing of the midsole deformation and restitution, which should be matched with the mid and propulsive stance phases. Lastly, the curved geometry of the forefoot sole needed to create the teeter-totter effect could be affected by the stack height reduction. However, current racing footwear designs have counteracted this modification by proximately placing the rocker axis and increasing the toe spring.

Sculpting The Perfect Shoe: A Deep Dive Into AI-driven Footwear Design And Production

The footwear industry is undergoing a transformative paradigm shift with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into its core processes. This research paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the manifold applications of AI in footwear design and manufacturing. As AI continues to permeate various industries, it has proven to be a disruptive force in the world of fashion and consumer goods, particularly within the footwear sector. This study begins by offering an overview of the historical context and development of AI technologies, emphasizing their recent proliferation and adoption within the footwear industry. It explores the critical role AI plays in addressing key challenges, from designing shoes that prioritize comfort and performance to streamlining the production process and enhancing sustainability. In essence, this research paper provides a comprehensive look into the AI-driven revolution in footwear design and manufacturing, detailing how these technologies are reshaping the industry, from the design studio to the factory floor. It underscores the need for industry stakeholders to embrace and adapt to the transformative potential of AI to remain competitive and sustainable in a rapidly evolving market.

Footwear Design and Biomechanics Evaluation for Clinical Nurses

Epidemiological investigations have shown a higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, (WRMDs) among nursing professionals. More than most other occupational groups. Most nursing activities require long periods of standing and walking. These job requirements can cause WRMDs problems in the lower limbs, and there are few footwear products available specifically for use by clinical nurses. Therefore, improving the current clinical nurse shoes and improving the wearing comfort of clinical nurse shoes are the necessary conditions to reduce the lower limb discomfort of clinical nurses. The purpose of this study is :(1) to test and obtain the foot morphology and walking gait characteristics of nurses in standing state by using human foot scanning and sports biomechanics technology, and to design comfortable clinical nursing footwear products suitable for nurses through shoe last optimization and application of environmentally friendly materials. (2) Sports biomechanical testing technology was used to test and compare the developed clinical care shoes with other shoes in the market, and the biomechanical characteristics of participants wearing different shoes were measured and compared to verify the design effect of clinical care shoes and improve it. This research method is divided into three stages. First, field observations and exercise biomechanics tests of the participants were performed, and data acquisition included plantar pressure characteristics, a three-dimensional foot model, foot surface temperature distribution, walking speed, and proportions of walking, standing, and sitting. Secondly, the clinical nursing shoes were designed based on the test results and the sample shoes were made. Finally, the function of professional nursing was evaluated through the exercise biomechanical testing technique. Measurements included lower limb joint range of motion (ROM), foot Pressure, ground reaction force (GRF), and subjective discomfort ratings for the lower body and feet. To summarize the findings of this study, comfortable clinical care shoes should emphasize arch support at the sole, use three-dimensional vertical insoles, and design heel height below 5 cm to significantly reduce plantar pressure distribution and ground impact, increase ankle flexibility, and recommend the use of pressure socks to reduce the risk of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

Regional plantar forces and surface geometry variations of a chronic ankle instability population described by statistical shape modelling

BackgroundUnderstanding detailed foot morphology as well as regional plantar forces could provide insight into foot function and provide recommendation for footwear design for chronic ankle instability (CAI) people. Research QuestionThis study presented 3-dimensional statistical shape models of feet from three different populations including CAI, copers and healthy individuals, with regional plantar forces also acquired. MethodsSixty-six males (22 participants per group) were included in this study to capture 3-dimensional foot shapes under a standing condition and regional plantar forces during a cutting maneuver. Principal component analysis was performed to generate a mean foot shape of each group as well as modes of variations. A generalized procrustes analysis was used to achieve rapid registration of mean shapes. Besides, regional plantar forces and contact duration among these three populations were compared. ResultsFor 3-dimensional foot shapes, although no significant differences of the average distance between each mode and mean shape were found among three populations, there were subtle variations in mean shapes. The CAI population presented a more bulging of the lateral malleolus; copers were characterized by the flexion of the lesser toes, a more bulging of the medial foot in the sagittal plane; and healthy individuals showed a greater heel width and a more bulging of the heel in the sagittal plane. In terms of plantar forces, healthy individuals had significantly greater summated plantar forces and greater plantar forces in the lateral heel area during the early contact phase compared to copers and CAI participants. SignificanceOverall, this study suggested that repetitive ankle sprains may lead to the bulging of the lateral malleolus. Further, CAI and copers seem to stabilize the ankle joint by medially shifting the center of pressure compared to healthy individuals under the static and less challenging dynamic conditions.

A Study on Perception of Visual–Tactile and Color–Texture Features of Footwear Leather for Symmetric Shoes

The study applies Kansei engineering in analyzing the color and texture of leather footwear, utilizing neural network verification to mirror consumers’ visual and tactile imageries onto varieties of leather. This aids in the development of an advanced system for selecting leather footwear based on such impressions. Initially, representative word pairs denoting consumers’ visual and tactile perceptions of leather footwear were delineated. Post-evaluation of these perceptions through a sensibility assessment questionnaire was administered, using 54 samples of leather footwear provided by manufacturers, with each leather type codified in terms of visual and tactile sensibilities. Subsequently, a customized software algorithm was crafted to isolate the primary color and adhesiveness as color features from the leather sample images. Analyzing grayscale values of the images and using pixel neighborhood as a base, the associated calculation methods, such as LBP, SCOV, VAR, SAC, etc., were proposed to extract texture features from the images. The derived color and texture feature values were used as the input layer and the sensory vocabulary quantified values as the output layer. Backpropagation neural network training was conducted on 49 leather samples, with five leather samples used for testing, culminating in the verification of neural network training for three types and 17 combinations. The outcome was an optimal method for leather footwear Kansei engineering and neural network training, establishing a design process for leather footwear characteristics assisted by sensory vocabulary and a backpropagation neural network. Additionally, a computer-aided system for selecting leather footwear, based on these impressions, was designed and validated through footwear design. This study utilized symmetry in footwear design. By using the design of a single shoe to represent the imagery of a pair of symmetrical shoes, we verified whether the leather samples recommended by the leather imagery selection query system met the expected system input settings.

Identification of subject-specific responses to footwear during running

Placing a stronger focus on subject-specific responses to footwear may lead to a better functional understanding of footwear’s effect on running and its influence on comfort perception, performance, and pathogenesis of injuries. We investigated subject-specific responses to different footwear conditions within ground reaction force (GRF) data during running using a machine learning-based approach. We conducted our investigation in three steps, guided by the following hypotheses: (I) For each subject x footwear combination, unique GRF patterns can be identified. (II) For each subject, unique GRF characteristics can be identified across footwear conditions. (III) For each footwear condition, unique GRF characteristics can be identified across subjects. Thirty male subjects ran ten times at their preferred (self-selected) speed on a level and approximately 15 m long runway in four footwear conditions (barefoot and three standardised running shoes). We recorded three-dimensional GRFs for one right-foot stance phase per running trial and classified the GRFs using support vector machines. The highest median prediction accuracy of 96.2% was found for the subject x footwear classification (hypothesis I). Across footwear conditions, subjects could be discriminated with a median prediction accuracy of 80.0%. Across subjects, footwear conditions could be discriminated with a median prediction accuracy of 87.8%. Our results suggest that, during running, responses to footwear are unique to each subject and footwear design. As a result, considering subject-specific responses can contribute to a more differentiated functional understanding of footwear effects. Incorporating holistic analyses of biomechanical data is auspicious for the evaluation of (subject-specific) footwear effects, as unique interactions between subjects and footwear manifest in versatile ways. The applied machine learning methods have demonstrated their great potential to fathom subject-specific responses when evaluating and recommending footwear.

Effect of muscle fatigue on metabolic cost in running and implications for footwear design

Effect of muscle fatigue on metabolic cost in running and implications for footwear design

Biomechanical modeling of footwear-fluid-floor interaction during slips

Slips and falls are among the major concerns for public safety. Slipping risks can be reduced by ensuring adequate traction at the shoe-floor interface. The outsole design of footwear is a critical factor to maintain sufficient shoe-floor traction in the presence of slippery contaminants such as water or oil. While the role of floorings and contaminants on footwear traction has been studied widely, limited works have investigated the role of footwear outsole geometry and tread patterns on shoe-floor traction. In this work, eight footwear outsole designs and their traction performance were tested on a common flooring with water contamination, through the development of a novel fluid–structure interaction based computational framework. Induced fluid pressure, mass flow rates, and contact areas were quantified across the outsole patterns, and their effect on footwear friction was investigated. The study results were validated using mechanical slip testing experiments. The results indicated that the outsoles which had horizontal treads or untreaded heel regions can lead to drastic reduction of footwear friction. Also, contact area alone was quantified to be a poor choice in estimating the traction performance of footwear on water contaminated floorings. Such novel study results have not been reported to date, and are anticipated to provide important guidelines to footwear manufacturers to evaluate and optimize footwear tread parameters which would help in reducing the risk of slips.