A comparison of trial shoe and shell shoe fitting techniques

Area of Science:

• Podiatry
• Orthotics
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Bespoke orthopaedic shoes in Europe typically undergo trial fittings before final finishing.
• Shell shoes are increasingly used for fit assessment, offering potential service advantages, particularly in the Netherlands.
• The comparability and sensitivity of shell shoe fit assessment versus traditional trial shoe methods remain unevaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the results of fit assessments using shell shoes versus traditional trial shoes.
• To evaluate the sensitivity of the shell shoe method.
• To determine if orthotists need to adapt their assessment techniques for shell shoes.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study was conducted using normal subjects.
• Subjects wore high street shoes similar in style to orthopaedic footwear.
• Fit assessments were performed using both shell shoe and traditional trial shoe methods.

Main Results:

• Shell shoe fit assessments were generally comparable to traditional trial shoe fit assessments.
• A consistent deviation was observed at the heel topline, attributed to shoe construction.
• No significant adjustment in orthotist technique is required for the shell method, except for the heel area.

Conclusions:

• Shell shoe fit assessment is a viable and comparable alternative to traditional trial shoe fittings for orthopaedic footwear.
• The shell method provides service advantages without necessitating a change in orthotist assessment techniques, barring specific construction-related nuances.
• This validates the use of shell shoes as an effective tool in the orthotic fitting process.