Textiles and other materials for orthopaedic footwear insoles

Custom-fabricated orthopaedic insoles are engineered to provide adequate support and control of abnormal foot motion, reduce shock and skin friction to stabilise foot deformities, moderate plantar pressures to prevent the formation of foot ulcerations, and improve stability in walking so as to reduce foot pain. The choice of materials for fabrication of the orthopaedic insoles is crucial, affecting the efficacy of foot orthotic treatment for the stated foot problems. With advances in textile and material sciences in recent years, new fabrics and composite materials, as well as tactile pressure sensors for measuring in-shoe plantar pressures, have been developed to enhance the practical use and the rate of patient compliance during the course of the treatment.