Barefoot Plantar Pressure Distribution
Unsupported feet load heel, midfoot, and forefoot in an uneven natural pattern.
- Heel: Peak zone (Highest strike force)
- ~100 cm²: Contact area (Typical adult sole)
- ~8,000: Load cycles/day (Average steps)
- Passive sling: Fascia role (Arch tension cable)
Why barefoot load matters
Baseline pressure mapping sets the reference for later orthotic comparison.
Flat and High Arch Load Patterns
Arch type strongly shifts where pressure concentrates during stance.
- Overpronation: Flat arch (Medial collapse)
- Rigid, stiff: High arch (Poor shock absorption)
- ~20–25%: Prevalence flat (Of general population)
- ~10%: Prevalence high (Of general population)
Arch type and pressure shift
Flat arches spread medial pressure; high arches concentrate heel and forefoot load.
Inserting the Arch Support Orthotic
A custom or prefabricated insert is fitted beneath the medial arch.
- Contoured: Insert type (Rigid or semi-rigid)
- 0–10 units: Height range (Simulator scale)
- Full contact: Fit goal (Arch to insert)
- EVA / carbon: Material (Common choices)
Placing the support
The orthotic wedge lifts the midfoot to share load with heel and forefoot.
Redistributing Load Across the Foot
Support height gradually shifts pressure away from peak zones.
- Up to −18%: Heel unload (At max support)
- Increases: Arch share (With insert height)
- Improves: Evenness (Across all zones)
- Non-linear: Response (Diminishing returns)
How redistribution works
Raising the arch support transfers force from heel/forefoot to midfoot contact.
Reduced Plantar Fascia Tension
Mechanical arch support lowers strain on the plantar fascia band.
- Up to ~50%: Tension drop (At full support)
- Calcaneal: Insertion site (Heel attachment point)
- Plantar fasciitis: Symptom target (Common indication)
- Model-based: Relief estimate (From slider inputs)
Fascia slackening
Lower tension reduces microtrauma at the heel insertion of the fascia.
Placeholder: higher orthotic height correlates with greater estimated symptom relief.