INESCOP has a Functional Footwear Analysis Laboratory where studies are carried out concerning the interaction between the user and the footwear during real use with the purpose of optimising comfort, manufacturing functional footwear and reducing costs. This can also be used as a marketing tool.

The main goal is to check the effect of footwear design over use, as well as comfort criteria according to the following tests:

3D FOOT AND FOOT SOLE DIGITISATION

Characterisation of the foot’s morphology and acquisition of its geometry for footwear manufacture or insole customisation.

KINEMATIC AND KINETIC MOTION ANALYSIS

Through high-speed cameras and pressure platforms we can analyse:

• The effect of footwear on the movement of body joints
• User’s stability
• The impacts generated in relation to shock absorption and comfort
• Grip during motion.

STUDY ON PLANTAR PRESSURES USING PEDAR® INSTRUMENTED INSOLES

When the insoles come into direct contact with the bottom of the foot they provide information that is used as an indicator of comfort, detecting areas of abnormal pressure caused by the footwear construction, which may result in damages on the foot tissues or bones.

STUDY ON PLANTAR PRESSURES USING AN EMED® PRESSURE PLATFORM

Characterisation of dynamic loads, or in the case of the footwear in motion, detection of areas with high probability of sole wear.

STUDY ON REAL SOLE CONTACT WITH HIGH-SPEED RECORDING

This analysis is carried out to assess the slipping phenomenon and allows us to study the real contact surface that the different outsole patterns provide during walking.

FIT TRIALS

Assessment of immediate comfort provided by the footwear when worn for the first time. These trials are carried out by a qualified tester panel.

WEAR TRIALs

Assessment of delayed comfort provided by the footwear over a set period of time. These trials are carried out by a qualified tester panel.