Enter your email address
Submit
Write your message
Volume 14, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2026)
Iran J Ergon 2026, 14(1): 1-17 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Kafi S, Koleini Mamaghani N. Shoe Last Design for Men with Flat Feet. Iran J Ergon 2026; 14 (1) :1-17
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1105-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1105-en.html
1- Department of Industrial Design, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran , kafi.shayan@gmail.com
2- Department of Industrial Design, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Industrial Design, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (1981 Views)
Objectives: Flat feet (Pes Planus) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that results in multi-joint pain, premature fatigue, and balance instability. Given that mass-produced footwear in Iran often lacks alignment with Iranian anatomical characteristics, this study aimed to determine the appropriate dimensions and indices for designing customized shoe lasts for Iranian men with flat feet. This approach seeks to enhance biomechanical performance and prevent excessive pressure and impact on the feet.
Methods: This applied-developmental study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical methodology. Data were collected through four primary instruments, namely a questionnaire (n=26), expert interviews, observation and analysis of existing commercial products, and anthropometric measurement of 10 users across 10 specific parameters, including footprint characteristics. The primary goal was to establish standardized dimensions for shoe last design, addressing the current lack of localized industrial standards in the domestic market.
Results: Findings indicate that public awareness regarding flat feet and its associated corrective products is low, and users are dissatisfied with existing market solutions. Clinical observations confirmed that most Iranian orthopedic centers focus primarily on insole production, with treatment centered on symptom control and pain reduction. Based on the urgent need for optimized products and the collected anthropometric data, a sole pattern and a 3D shoe last model were designed and developed.
Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of enhancing medial longitudinal arch support through specialized shoe last design, which can significantly mitigate complications associated with flat feet. The final outcome—comprising the sole pattern and the customized shoe last—demonstrates that integrating anthropometric data into engineering design environments provides a robust platform for manufacturers, ultimately leading to improved consumer satisfaction and enhanced foot health.
Methods: This applied-developmental study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical methodology. Data were collected through four primary instruments, namely a questionnaire (n=26), expert interviews, observation and analysis of existing commercial products, and anthropometric measurement of 10 users across 10 specific parameters, including footprint characteristics. The primary goal was to establish standardized dimensions for shoe last design, addressing the current lack of localized industrial standards in the domestic market.
Results: Findings indicate that public awareness regarding flat feet and its associated corrective products is low, and users are dissatisfied with existing market solutions. Clinical observations confirmed that most Iranian orthopedic centers focus primarily on insole production, with treatment centered on symptom control and pain reduction. Based on the urgent need for optimized products and the collected anthropometric data, a sole pattern and a 3D shoe last model were designed and developed.
Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of enhancing medial longitudinal arch support through specialized shoe last design, which can significantly mitigate complications associated with flat feet. The final outcome—comprising the sole pattern and the customized shoe last—demonstrates that integrating anthropometric data into engineering design environments provides a robust platform for manufacturers, ultimately leading to improved consumer satisfaction and enhanced foot health.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Ergonomics in Design
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2026/03/25 | ePublished: 2026/03/25
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2026/03/25 | ePublished: 2026/03/25
References
1. Bancroft R, McDonough T, Shakespeare J, Lynas K. Orthotics. Eur Geriatr Med. 2011;2(2):122-5. [DOI:10.1016/j.eurger.2010.07.006]
2. Zifchock RA, Davis I. A comparison of semi-custom and custom foot orthotic devices in high- and low-arched individuals during walking. Clin Biomech (Bristol Avon). 2008; 23(10):1287-93. [DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2008.07.008] [PMID]
3. Shabani M. Report on the correction of flatfoot anomaly in students of Shahed Ebrahimi Azar Elementary School. 2021.
4. Lee MS, Vanore JV, Thomas JL, Catanzariti AR, Kogler G, Kravitz SR, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of adult flatfoot. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2005;44(2):78-113. [DOI:10.1053/j.jfas.2004.12.001] [PMID]
5. Niavaran Clinic. Flat feet [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 8].
6. Levinger P, Murley GS, Barton CJ, Cotchett MP, McSweeney SR, Menz HB. A comparison of foot kinematics in people with normal- and flat-arched feet using the Oxford Foot Model. Gait Posture. 2010;32(4):519-23. [DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2010.07.013] [PMID]
7. Dortaj E, Alizadeh MH, Abbasi H, Shirzad Iraqi E. The effect of fatigue on spatiotemporal parameters of walking in individuals with flexible and normal flatfoot. 2020;12(27):17-34.
8. Farokhipour M. Comparison of the long-term and immediate effects of using medical insoles in individuals with flatfoot. 2022.
9. Chen YC, Lou SZ, Huang CY, Su FC. Effects of foot orthoses on gait patterns of flat feet patients. Clin Biomech (Bristol Avon). 2010;25(3):265-70. [DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2009.11.007] [PMID]
10. Rahbar K, Ghiasvand MS. Analysis and comparison of healthy and flat feet during walking using the finite element method. 2017.
11. Gandomkar E, Gandomkar A, Eslami M. The effect of shoe type on shock absorption in girls with flat feet during walking. 2014;6(16):95-106.
12. Beinabaji H, Anbarian M, Sokhangouei, Y. A Comparison of Plantar Parameters in Children with Normal and Flat-arched during Walking Using a Footscan System. The 6th National Conference of Iranian Physical Education and Sport Sciences; 15-16 December, 2011; Tehran, Iran.
13. Ghani Abadi M. Analysis of the impact of implementing quality control systems on customer satisfaction in the footwear industry. 2018.
14. Ma X, Luximon A. Design and manufacture of shoe lasts. In: Luximon A, editor. Handbook of Footwear Design and Manufacture. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing; 2013. p. 177-96. [DOI:10.1533/9780857098795.3.177] [PMCID]
15. Mishra MK, Abtew MA, Bruniaux P. Customization of shoe last based on 3D design process with adjustable 3D ease allowance for better comfort and design. Int J Adv Manuf Technol. 2022. [DOI:10.1007/s00170-022-10427-5]
16. Zhang Y, Luximon A. Shoe-last design for mass-customized footwear. In: Handbook of Footwear Design and Manufacture. Woodhead Publishing; 2013. p. 236-53. [DOI:10.1533/9780857098795.3.236]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
Copyright Policy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
