When you walk, run, or stand for a long time, do you feel that some parts of the soles of your feet are particularly tired? Do you often feel that “something is wrong” after wearing a pair of shoes for a long time? In fact, all this may be related to the distribution of pressure on your soles.
In the past, making insoles relied on “experience” + “molds”. Nowadays, technology makes everything more accurate – customizing insoles after collecting sole pressure data through gait analysis equipment is becoming the first choice for more and more medical, rehabilitation and high-end sports users. So what is it for? Is it worth trying? Today, let’s talk in depth.
1. What is gait analysis?
Gait analysis is a technology that uses equipment to collect and analyze parameters such as stride, cadence, sole pressure, center of gravity trajectory, etc. when the human body is walking or standing.
The core purpose is to understand your “walking habits” and “force methods”, especially whether the force in each area of the sole is balanced.
Common gait analysis equipment includes:
Plane pressure plate (both static and dynamic)
Wearable pressure insoles
Infrared camera tracking system
3D foot scanning equipment (used with pressure detection)
2. Why do we use plantar pressure to make insoles?
A good pair of insoles cannot be judged by “comfort” alone. Its real value lies in – adjusting the force and optimizing support. Insoles customized through plantar pressure analysis have the following advantages:
Precise support
The analysis can identify problems such as arch collapse, excessive forefoot pressure, and foot eversion. Customized insoles can accurately add pads or reduce them to achieve structural balance.
Reduce plantar pain and fatigue
Plant fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fatigue caused by long-term standing are often related to excessive local pressure. Insoles can achieve “targeted” relief.
Improve gait and prevent knee and ankle injuries
Long-term improper walking posture can easily cause knee and ankle injuries. Reasonable adjustment of the plantar force path can play a role of “fundamental correction”.
Improve sports performance
For athletes and running enthusiasts, precision insoles can help improve the landing angle, absorb shock and energy, and reduce the risk of sports injuries.
3. Case feedback: Double progress of data + experience
We have tracked a typical case: a 35-year-old female teacher, who often felt pain in the forefoot and weakness in the heel due to standing teaching for more than 8 hours a day.
Through gait analysis, it was found that her arch collapsed and the pressure on the forefoot was abnormally concentrated. After wearing the customized insole for two weeks, the pain was significantly relieved, and the footsteps were lighter when standing.
Among the 300 customized users, more than 78% of the feedback pointed out that “it fits better than traditional insoles” and “it is easier to walk in them”, and the foot discomfort was significantly reduced within 1 month of use.
