Technology to Evaluate the Effects of Footwear

As footwear manufacturing technology improves, footwear biomechanics focuses studying comfort and the effects of footwear on human movement. Footwear researchers, engineers and biomechanists rely on technology to test the effects of materials and various types of footwear. Tekscan's in-shoe pressure analysis system provides insights into footwear design and mechanics to:

  • Quantify areas of high or peak pressures 
  • Optimize the design and fit of footwear
  • Visualize the effects of different cushions, materials, etc.
  • Evaluate the effects of footwear in the treatment of lower extremity disorders and injury prevention protocol
  • Evaluate differences in gait for different types/ brands of shoes
 Tekscan's F-Scan in-shoe system provides essential insights for footwear manufacturers.Tekscan's F-Scan in-shoe system provides essential insights for footwear manufacturers.

Quantify Footwear Performance with In-Shoe Technology

SATRA is a research and testing organization in the U.K. which has been in existence for over 100 years. It is a leading organization in the testing of footwear. One tool used by SATRA for footwear testing is in-shoe pressure mapping.

In the January 2019 SATRA Bulletin, David Smith comments about pressure mapping applications, 

'Pressure mapping can be used to answer many questions about product performance. It can also provide invaluable data that can be used to validate marketing claims, or simply to establish the difference between two similar designs, materials or constructions1.'  Additionally, he comments, 'It offers an excellent way of quantifying the comfort of footwear1.' 

Learn more about SATRA on their website. 
 

1. SATRA’s Pressure Mapping Capabilities’. SATRA Bulletin. January 2019.

Footwear Design and Performance. In-Shoe Analysis for Nearly Any Type of Shoe

F-Scan™ sensors have optimal spatial resolution for in-shoe pressure measurements. The sensors are ultra-thin so as not to interfere with natural gait, yet durable enough to last for multiple trials. Trimmable sensors allow for the sensors to fit into nearly any type of shoe.  Several different sensor models are available to meet your project requirements including:

 

Will fit the needs of most in-shoe projects

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Ideal for highly dynamic activities like running or jumping

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Ideal for shoes with long shafts, like ski boots or hockey skates

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F-Scan System for Footwear Research

See how the F-Scan System was used in a research example to evaluate the effects of high heel shoes.  

Case Studies: Evaluating the Effect of High-heels

This case study looks at the effects footwear can have on biomechanics.  See how evaluating unique parameters, like Center of Force Trajectory (CoFT), provides insights into how footwear can impact gait and stability.  

using strideway in shoe design

Strideway Case Study

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F-Scan Case Study

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In-Shoe Pressure & Force Insights

The F-Scan In-Shoe system provides dynamic pressure, force and timing information essential for footwear development, optimization and testing.  

  • Identify peak pressures and areas of potential discomfort in footwear
  • Quickly compare effects of different inserts and materials in the software
  • Segment the foot for a detailed analysis of function inside the shoe
  • Evaluate forces on the foot during the gait cycle 

Segment the foot for a detailed analysis of how the foot is functioning inside the shoe.Segment the foot for a detailed analysis of how the foot is functioning inside the shoe.

Flexible Data Collection

The F-Scan system is available in a few different configurations for versatility in data collection. Wireless and datalogger systems are available to provide freedom in testing conditions and environments, so you can collect data in real-life environments.  

  • Collect data in the lab or outside without restrictions
  • Synchronize with additional technology in your lab, like motion capture or EMG

Export data to ASCII for advanced analysis.Export data to ASCII for advanced analysis.

 

Research Validated Technology

Tekscan's F-Scan system has been published in numerous research publications for footwear testing and many other applications.  

One study, looking to evaluate characteristics of orthotic materials and how they affect gait used the F-Scan. Healy, A., et al. found,

 'various insole materials and different construction were found to have an effect on plantar pressure, however, in contrast to our hypothesis, there was little effect on lower limb kinematics.'2 

In-shoe technology allows for researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how the foot is functioning inside the shoe and responding to insoles in a way that platform based systems cannot detect. 

View our bibliography to see more research articles using Tekscan's in-shoe system.

Bibliography

2.  Healy, A., Dave Dunning, and Nachiappan Chockalingam. 2011.  Effect of Insole Material on Lower Limb Kinematics and Plantar Pressures During Treadmill Walking. Prosthetics and Orthotics International
36(1) 53–62

 

 

 Compare differences between orthotics and various materials with Tekscan's in-shoe analysis system.Compare differences between orthotics and various materials with Tekscan's in-shoe analysis system.

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Contact us to learn more about Tekscan's Pressure Mapping solutions!