Improving the Footwear Ergonomics by Personalizing Its Shape

Abstract

The paper examines the possibility and relevance of developing and manufacturing comfortable ergonomic shoes with individual anthropometric insoles in the context of a standard footwear enterprise. The comfortableness of the shoes is achieved due to the correct anthropometrically justified shape of the last and the load-relieving anatomical insole-sole. All initial information for designing is obtained by 3D scanning of a customer's foot and its imprint on polyurethane foam on a specialized professional 3D scanner. Designing of the last is carried out in LastMaker and PowerShape software environment while designing of the insole is performed in PowerShape based on the configuration of the lower surface of the designed last, which corresponds to the relief of the plantar surface of the foot. The anatomical insole was manufactured by milling on a 3-ways CNC machine. The general process of manufacturing shoes complies with the standard technology approved at the manufacturing facility. The individuality of the shoe shape is achieved due to the individually designed shoe last and anatomical insole. Experimental wear showed that shoes produced in this way meet comfortableness requirements to a greater extent than those manufactured using standard lasts and components. The proposed shape of the insole facilitates even distribution of body weight over the entire surface of the foot sole. When walking, such an insole ensures proper functioning of all parts of the foot at each stage of a step. The goal of improving the ergonomicity and sustainability of the shoes being developed is also achieved with the help of a special upper design that combines the insole-lining and upper elements, which reduces the number of shoe components and the technological process for its manufacture.