Ethnic differences in forefoot shape and the determination of shoe comfort

Abstract

The kinanthropometric aspects of comfort of fit of sport shoes has not been subjected to any great scrutiny. It is suggested that comfort of fit is largely determined by the match of foot shape to shoe shape and consequently there is a need for normative data that describe foot shape, dimension and proportion for discrete populations. A study of 708 second generation Caucasian N. American (NA) and 513 Japanese and Korean (JK) male subjects was conducted to determine normative data with respect to forefoot shape and dimension. A series of 2 height, 7 length, 1 breadth and 1 girth measures of the right foot bearing full body weight was recorded using a modified Mitutoyo digital caliper interfaced with a micro-processor. Substantial differences were noted in the incidence of digital patterning. The relative proportion of digital patterns I (1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5) and II (2 > 1 > 3 > 4 > 5) were NA 76.09%, 23.91%; JK 50.80% and 49.20% respectively. The distance between the pternion and the distal extremity of the second digit expressed as a percentage of the maximum foot length (MFL) was found to be 98.60% (NA) and 99.60% (JK). In addition, the distance between the pternion and the distal extremity of the fifth digit relative to MFL was 82.60% (NA) and 85.00% (JK). The implication of these data is that the anterior margin of the JK foot makes a less acute angle with the long axis of the foot than the NA population. Additional information with respect to foot breadth leads to the conclusion that the shape of the JK forefoot differs from that of the NA, with the implication that unique shoe lasts for both populations are required for optimal shoe comfort.

Shoe-last design innovation for better shoe fitting

“…In order to avoid foot related problems, footwear must be designed such that they fit properly and are comfortable [3]. Footwear comfort [10] and fit [3,11] are influenced by shoe-last shape [3,12], material properties [13], foot shape [14][15][16], inside shoe climate [3], and factors such as colour and fashion [3]. Starting from a well designed shoe-last, and adding soft and breathable material will enable design of comfortable shoes.…”

Volumetric differences in body shape among adults with differing body mass index values: An analysis using three‐dimensional body scans

“…Historically, shape changes have been quantified using traditional one-dimensional (1D) anthropometric measurements such as lengths, breadths, and girths. 1D measurements are used for body shape analysis for various applications including ergonomics (Park and Park, 2013), modeling and design (Behara and Das, 2011;Hawes et al, 1994), biological and evolutionary anthropology (Katzmarzyk and Leonard, 1998;Ruff, 2002), and for health assessments and determining the risk of disease (Brown et al, 2012;Fujimoto et al, 2007;Garlie et al, 2010;Schernhammer et al, 2007;Wells et al, 2010). Multidimensional measurements have largely been examined through simple 1D measures, for example, body volume being calculated using waist circumference and BMI (Heymsfield et al, 2008).…”

The effect of insoles on the incidence and severity of low back pain among workers whose job involves long-distance walking

“…Not many studies have looked into the agronomic physiological aspects of insoles [4,9,12,13,20,24]. Brown and co-workers concluded that more research is needed to explain the clinical success in using insoles [20].…”