Quantifying foot shape and sensitivity to understand footwear comfort in aging adults

For older adults, regular physical activity is important for maintaining mobility and independence (Dayley et al. 2000). Unfortunately, 72% of older adults report their athletic footwear to uncomfortable, potentially discouraging regular activity (Burns et al. 2002). Poor athletic footwear fit in older adults could be a result of shoe lasts typically being designed for young adults (Mickle et al. 2011, Jellema et al. 2019). These shaes may not be appropriate for older adults as the aging foot widens over time due to the flattening of the arch. Further, shoe fit tolerance guidelines may not result in a comfortable fit for older adults as they experience changes in foot sensitivity (Kenshalo 1986). To date, the majority of footwear research has focused on the fit and performance of athletic footwear in young, healthy adults. As such, there is limited research evaluating athletic footwear comfort in aging adults. Specifically, it is unknown which specific changes in foot shape and sensitivity contribute to decreased athletic footwear comfort with age. Determining the foot characteristics associated with comfort in older adults can guide future design innovations in shoes specific to older populations, promoting inclusivity in footwear.