Both plantar laser scanners and foot profile laser scanners are a type of laser scanning, but their applications and the types of data collected ultimately differ significantly.
Let’s explore this topic from several perspectives.
- Differences in Scanning Area
Plane laser scanners only scan the sole of the foot, aiming to obtain arch height, sole width, heel shape, and the three-dimensional curve structure of the sole.
By processing and analyzing the foot image, a relatively accurate surface shape data of the human foot sole and corresponding data is obtained. It captures a model of the sole.
Foot profile laser scanners scan the entire foot in three dimensions, measuring the height and width of the instep, the shape of the toes, the heel, and the curve from the instep to the ankle, ultimately creating a complete three-dimensional foot model.

- Differences in Output Data Type
Plane laser scanning provides data on the arch curve, sole convexity and concavity, sole length and width, heel shape, and the three-dimensional surface of the sole.
Foot laser scanning can determine instep height, foot circumference, toe space, and the contour from the instep to the ankle, providing a comprehensive three-dimensional overview of the foot.
- Different Applications
Foot laser scanners are primarily used for insole production, arch support, 3D foot mapping, orthotic insole fabrication, and foot therapy.
The main components and services of foot laser scanners are insoles and foot support.
Foot laser scanners are primarily used in shoe manufacturing for shoe sizing, last design, custom shoe fitting, shoe shape matching, 3D shoe fitting, and digital modeling.
