Kinematics and baropodometry of half-shoe versus full-outsole design for forefoot offloading in normal and pathological feet

摘要

The use of specific orthopaedic shoes is often recommended for foot conservative treatments and after surgery. Patients are required to wear forefoot offloading shoes (FOS) to protect and unload the injured part of the foot. The effectiveness of the half-shoe design in reducing forefoot pressure has been demonstrated by several studies (Deleu, Leemrijse, Vandeleene, Maldague, & Devos Bev-ernage, 2010). However, there are concerns that the peculiar design of the outsole may cause patients' discomfort, gait instability and inefficiency. In order to find a good compromise between gait performance and forefoot plantar pressure relief, original shoe designs have recently entered into the market. While these shoes are intended to be worn for short periods, a compromise must be found between level of comfort and functionality.