Research on Developing a Size System and Designing Shoe Lasts for Men with Diabetes in Vietnam

Abstract

This paper presents the method and results of developing a shoe last sizing system on the basis of the foot parameter system, designing shoe lasts for men with diabetes in Vietnam. Diabetic patients often have foot complications and need to use extra depth shoes or custom shoes to protect their feet and prevent foot ulcers. The parameters of 5 shoe last sizes by length and 3 sizes by width according to the French sizing system have been developed. The results show that the shoe last parameters for men with diabetes are much larger than those for healthy men, especially the ball girth and width are larger by about 20 mm and 5 mm, respectively. Afterward, shoe lasts were designed and modified using 3D CAD tools for style, fit and comfort specifically suited for men with diabetes. Using shoe last design software, 3D printing technology to design and fabricate a shoe last, the proposed approach proved the viability of designing and manufacturing extra depth shoes for men with diabetes in Vietnam.