The Biomechanical Assessment of Foot Function and Footwear Interactions

The complexity of the foot is best appreciated from an understanding of its anatomy and biomechanics. In that regard, biomechanical studies provide a sound foundation concerning the constrained articulations of the rear- to fore-foot structures, which provide balance, mobility, and stability during movement. While most of the existing knowledge of bare and shod foot kinematics is based on traditional motion-capture studies, it remains a challenge to determine underlying bony motion, cartilage contact, or ligament lengthening non-invasively and within the shoe. As such, new techniques have been developed that are attempting to address those issues. The Biomechanical Assessment of Foot Function and Footwear Interactions provides an overview of basic foot and footwear biomechanics and discusses emerging techniques and their various applications to foot and footwear studies.