A problem solving approach to footwear fitting © Phillip Carter & Adam R. Bird, 2000
Outline
Footwear fitting
Today's lecture
1-hour practical session
Independent reading
references on counter reserve
Upper
"Everything above the sole"
Relevant to the extent that it must work well in the application
Desirable characteristics
Breathability
Long-wearing
Adaptable to individual shape and function
Leather does these things…..so do an increasing range of synthetics
Sole materials
Choice depends on application
Grip/Traction vs Wear/Life
Tread pattern vs ground erosion
Effect on flex of finished footwear
Socks
Function as cushion…..protect foot from shoe…..pressure and shear
Wicking layer…..removes moisture from next to skin…drier skin is stronger
Patterns can irritate the skin
May contribute to fitting related issues
Static fit concept
Measure the foot
length,width (Rossi, 1983)
metatarsal break length (Rossi, 1986)
3D image of foot in mind. Include malleoli and achilles region.
Match foot to footwear
Check gusset width, forefoot width, heel cup height
Dynamic Fit Concept
Footwear is designed for an intended purpose.
What will the foot be doing during this activity?
Is the fit appropriate to the function?
Is the specific foot able to perform the desired actions in the footwear being considered?
Are we dealing with ordinary shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, roller blades, ski boots?
How does the individual anatomy influence the foot function?
How does this effect the interaction between foot and footwear?
Eg. Steep rearfoot axis….increased transverse plane motion
Adductory heel twist at heel lift
Forefoot varus/supinatus
What can you do about it?
Simple Checks
Remove liner, dorsiflex digits and check length against liner.
Heel lift in gait
Room to wriggle toes while weighted and maximally dorsiflexed digits?..for gait sports
Check for red/white/cold spots
Have a vision of this foot and how you think it works.
Even pressure distribution static and dynamic if possible… it's localized pressure and shear that cause problems.
Podiatry and Footwear
Do the two overlap?
The grey area that is part of both.
Trouble with footwear is often related to foot function issues … this cannot be fixed simply by getting a new pair of shoes….for some activities.
The rigidity of footwear… what effect?
SUMMARY
Know the foot shape… and functional characteristics
Know the shape of the footwear
Every case comes down to anatomy and function... what is the intended use?
References
McPoil TG. Footwear. Physical Therapy 1988; 68(12):1857-1865.
Heil B. Running shoe design and selection related to lower limb biomechanics. Physiotherapy 1992; 78(6): 406-12.
Janisse DJ. The art and science of fitting shoes. Foot & Ankle 1992; 13(5): 257-262.
Rossi WA. The quandry of shoe flexibility. JAPMA 1986; 76(6): 359-362.
Rossi WA. The enigma of shoe sizes. JAPMA 1983; 73(5): 272-274.
Smith LS & Bunch R. Athletic footwear. Clinics in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery 3(4): 637-647.
