Introduction

Biomechanical and physiological parameters play an important role in innovative shoe design and in the prevention of foot problems. FOOTyWEAR is a biennial foot-related research project, in which both of these aspects are examined. The project consists of three parts:
 

  • MOBILAB focuses, together with their user committee, on the methods for biomechanical foot analysis and its application in practice.
  • The Polish research partners IPS and PIPS examine shoe materials regarding hazardous substances and comfort and hygiene.
  • Finally, the results above will be combined and applied to a specific case: the diabetic foot. Friction and pressure are important negative factors for this target group. These parameters, however, can be influenced positively by choosing the right shoe materials and adjusting the structure and form of the shoe according to the individual shape of the foot and foot motion.