The FOREFOOT REARFOOT SEE-SAW
Forefoot v. Rearfoot Balance: Solving for Multiple Biomechanical Problems in a Single Shoe
“THE PROBLEM WITH ONE-DIMENSIONAL FIT”
The Challenge: I had a patient with painful neuroma symptoms who initially found relief in a wide toe box shoe. However, the shoe’s low heel-to-toe drop created a new issue: unexpected calf and Achilles tendon pain. This case highlighted a critical challenge in footwear design—a solution for one biomechanical problem can often lead to another if the design isn't approached holistically.
My Biomechanical Analysis: Through a detailed gait analysis, I identified a classic case of mechanical overload. While the wide toe box correctly addressed the forefoot impingement, the low drop was overworking the posterior chain. This confirmed my hypothesis: a shoe cannot be designed with a single feature in mind. It must be a comprehensive solution that accommodates the foot's entire structure and motion.
Key Insight & Proposed Solution: My analysis proved the need for a shoe that provides anatomical forefoot accommodation while also supporting the biomechanics of the posterior chain. The solution lies in a design that harmoniously blends these two critical features.
Outcome & Partnership Potential: We were able to find a temporary solution for the patient by modifying an existing shoe to provide the necessary space and drop. This case demonstrates my ability to identify and solve complex, multi-faceted biomechanical problems. A partnership would allow us to apply these insights on a larger scale, creating products that provide comprehensive relief and prevent secondary injuries, building unparalleled brand loyalty. My expertise lies in diagnosing these subtle issues and translating them into actionable, marketable footwear solutions.
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One Dimensional Fit Video:
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