Gender Differences in Adult Foot Shape with 3D Foot Scanner

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze gender differences in adult foot shape with 3D foot scanner METHOD: Subjects included 1,107 feet of 872 healthy volunteers (male: 325, female: 547) without foot deformity. Total 23 foot parameters (foot length, inside joint length, outside joint length, ball girth, ball width, grading point length, vamp height, vamp length, waist girth point length, waist point length, waist height, waist girth, instep girth point length, instep point length, instep height, instep girth, short heel girth, long heel girth, throat opening, vamp waist angle, waist instep angle, instep-vamp height ratio, instep- ball girth ratio) were measured with 3D foot scanner. Univariate t-test was used to assess significant differences between men and women for each foot parameter, standardized to stature and foot length. RESULTS: For a given stature, 20 of 23 foot parameters were greater in men than women (p<0.05). For a given foot length, 13 of 23 foot parameters were greater in men than women (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that female feet were different from male feet in a number of shape characteristics. These differences should be taken into account in the manufacture of women's shoes.