Biomechanical evaluation of a new design of shoe with a curved under sole and shoe with a flat under sole in healthy participants

Abstract

Plantar pressure distribution is important and a useful measure in footwear evaluation. Studies suggest what shoe choice may affect loading patterns in standing position and produce differences in pressure distribution and contact area. Footwear comfort in many clinical situations is dependent on the ability of the 'shoe' to redistribute plantar pressure and contact area under the entire foot. A new design of shoe with a curved under sole have begun to be used by medical doctors, dentists and nurses who required to be in standing position during long periods of time. The aim of this pilot study therefore, was to assess the pattern of the average pressure and contact area under the entire foot in normal subjects wearing two types of shoes. A comparative study was carried out in three females in different conditions: a) without shoes, b) wearing shoes with flat under sole and c) wearing shoe with curve under sole. Average pressure and contact area under the entire foot were collected by using a platform EPS footchecker in the same condition. Each variable was analyzed using a repeat measures ANOVA (α=0.05). The results showed lowest average pressure and a high contact area under the shoe with curve sole and a higher average pressure was found under the shoe with flat sole. These results suggest that shoe with curve sole produced a different profile of pressure and contact area to compare with shoes with flat sole and curve sole provides comfort to professionals in the clinical area for their design that respects the shape of the foot. © 2013 Springer.