Can a 3D foot scanner be used in a shoe store?

‌3D foot scanners can be used in shoe stores, and an increasing number of professional shoe stores, sports shoe counters, and custom orthotic insole centers are introducing this technology.

However, it depends on the specific positioning and service scope of the shoe store and cannot be generalized. Below is a detailed explanation:

I. What types of shoe stores are suitable for equipping 3D foot scanners?

1. Functional shoe stores (such as orthopedic shoes, rehabilitation shoes, elderly health shoes)

These stores are usually equipped with professional scanning equipment to provide customers with foot health assessments and custom insole services.

Store staff are trained with basic podiatric knowledge and can assist in preliminary foot type evaluation.

2. High-end sports shoe brand stores (such as some flagship stores of Asics, Mizuno)

Some flagship stores are equipped with gait analysis and 3D foot scanning areas, serving runners and athletic populations.

They can combine gait detection and dynamic testing to provide comprehensive sports recommendations.

3. Professional custom insole/shoe centers

These centers specialize in foot scanning, custom insole fabrication, gait correction, etc., with complete equipment and professional technology.

Many are operated in collaboration with rehabilitation therapists or orthotists, and the service precision is relatively high.

II. What functions can a 3D foot scanner achieve in a shoe store?

Quickly identify foot types (flat feet, high arches, left-right asymmetry, etc.)

Measure foot length, foot width, arch height, heel deviation, and other parameters

Generate visual reports to assist in shoe selection, insole customization, and wear fit evaluation

Customize insoles or tailor shoes based on foot measurements

III. Advantages of using a 3D scanner in a shoe store

Reduces the problem of choosing the wrong shoe size or shoe shape

Improves wearing comfort and foot health compatibility

More user-friendly for people with foot problems (such as bunions, leg length discrepancy, plantar pain)

Some brands can recommend the most suitable shoe models or insoles based on foot data

IV. But be aware:

Ordinary shopping mall shoe stores (such as Belle, Hotwind, ANTA, etc.) mostly do not have 3D scanners and only offer basic size try-ons with limited functionality.

Some stores claim to “scan foot shapes,” but may only measure foot length and width, without 3D modeling or professional analysis capabilities.

If you intend to perform medical-level evaluation or corrective use, it is recommended to go to a rehabilitation clinic or orthotic center for professional assessment.