what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
Predominant surface
shoe is worn on
Specific purpose of shoe
(i.e. sports-occupational-
or activity specific)
Last shoe is built on
Fit (and size match)
of shoe
All structural/functional
aspects of foot or gait
Influence of
heavy wear
Economic factors
Shoe materials
(abrasion resistance)
Psychological
status of wearer
Gross
pathological
condition
Shoe materials
(sole differences)
Style of shoe
Habit
Multipe pupose
of shoe
Weight of
wearer
Manufacturing
characteristics
of shoe sole
Figure 6.1
Influences on footwear wear patterns (
Vernon at al 2004
). Reproduced with
permission of Professor Wesley Vernon
border of the heel and this reflects the slightly inverted position of the heel
at heel strike during the gait cycle.
There will be slight wear at the tread line of the sole in the region of
the metatarsal heads and at the tip of the shoe. The wear occurring under
the toes and at the tip should be minimal in relation to that at the heel
and the tread line, taking into consideration the shoe as a whole. There
should be no particular wear marks on the upper; in fact, the presence
of friction damage to the upper is an indicator of either dysfunction or
occupational or social factors, for example football-playing children. There
is normally a crease along the vamp of the shoe which indicates the
metatarso-phalangeal (MTP) joints and should coincide with the tread line.
The heel area of the upper should be examined for distortion, with no
bulging either medially or laterally, and the rear seam should be vertical.
Abnormal wear
Variations in wear occur for a variety of reasons but most of these indicate
a problem in the way the foot functions. Among the causes of dysfunction
are:
