Temporal characteristics of foot roll-over during barefoot jogging: reference data for young adults

The purpose of this study was to establish a representative reference dataset for temporal characteristics of foot roll-over during barefoot jogging, based on plantar pressure data collected from 220 healthy young adults. The subjects ran at 3.3 m s⁻¹ over a 16.5 m long running track, having a built-in pressure platform mounted on a force platform. The initial contact, final contact, time to peak pressure and the duration of contact at the lateral and medial heel, metatarsal heads I to V and the hallux were measured. Temporal plantar pressure variables were found to be reliable (93% of ICC coefficients above 0.75) and both gender and asymmetry influences could be neglected. Foot roll-over during jogging started with heel contact followed by a latero-medial contact of the metatarsals and finally the hallux. After heel off, the forefoot started to push off at the lateral metatarsals, followed by a more central push off over the second metatarsal and finally over the hallux. Based on the plantar pressure data, the stance phase during running was divided into four distinct phases: initial contact (8.2%), forefoot contact (11.3%), foot flat (25.3%) and forefoot push off (55.1%). These findings provide a reliable and representative reference dataset for temporal characteristics of foot roll-over during jogging of young adults that may also be relevant in the evaluation of running patterns.     

Regional plantar pressure during walking, stair ascent and descent

Regional plantar pressures during stair walking may be injurious in at risk populations. However, limited data are available examining the reliability of plantar pressure data collected during stair walking. The aims of this study were three fold; to assess the reliability of the plantar pressure data recorded during stair walking, to assess the effects of level ground and stair walking on plantar loading, and to develop regression equations to predict regional plantar pressures in stair walking from those collected on level ground. Fifteen subjects without conditions affecting their ability to walk on level surfaces or stairs were recruited. Each participant performed at least 10 steps in level ground and stair walking while plantar pressure data were recorded in six foot regions. Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of activity on plantar pressure, and a linear regression was used to predict forefoot loading during stair walking. A reliability of 0.9 was achieved within 10 steps in all foot regions, with the forefoot requiring fewer steps. Plantar pressures were influenced by both, foot region and activity, with the heel and forefoot regions generally experiencing lower peak pressures and maximal forces during stair walking than level ground walking. The regression equations predicting peak pressure during stair walking accounted for between 37% and 70% of the variance of the stair walking data. These findings establish the reliability of plantar pressure data collected during stair walking. Future studies should investigate these parameters in clinical populations.     

The effect of foot type on in-shoe plantar pressure during walking and running

The purpose of this study was to determine if low arch feet have altered plantar loading patterns when compared to normal feet during both walking and running. Fifty healthy subjects (34 normal feet, 16 flat feet) walked and ran five trials each at standard speeds. In-shoe pressure data were collected at 50 Hz. Contact area, peak pressure, maximum force, and force-time integral were analyzed in eight different regions of the foot. Foot type was determined by examining navicular height, arch angle, rearfoot angle, and a clinical score. A series of 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine statistical differences (alpha<0.05). A significant interaction existed between foot type and movement type for the maximum force in the medial midfoot. Total foot contact area, maximum force and peak pressure were significantly increased during running. Contact area in each insole area, except for the rearfoot, was significantly increased during running. Peak pressure and maximum force were significantly increased during running in each of the foot regions. However, the force-time integral was significantly decreased during running in the rearfoot, lateral midfoot, middle forefoot, and lateral forefoot. Significant differences between foot types existed for contact area in the medial midfoot and maximum force and peak pressure in the lateral forefoot. The maximum force and peak pressures were significantly decreased for the flat foot type. Therefore, individuals with a flat foot could be at a lower risk for lateral column metatarsal stress fractures, indicating that foot type should be assessed when determining an individual's risk for metatarsal stress fractures.     

Temporal patterns of plantar pressures and lower-leg muscle activity during walking: effect of speed

Plantar pressure assessment is a tool useful for study of the gait cycle. In this study, we present a means of assessing the gait cycle using a temporal analysis of plantar pressures and lower-leg muscle activities. Plantar pressures and surface electromyography (EMG) of the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were recorded as 19 men walked on a treadmill at seven speeds between 0.45 and 1.79 m/s. A typical 'heel strike to toe off' gait pattern was observed. Speed had minimal effects on the shapes of the muscle EMG root-mean-square-and plantar pressure-time curves except for the pressure-time curves in the heel and midfoot. A linear relationship was found between speed and peak pressures in the heel, medial forefoot, and toes; pressures in these regions increased by 91-289% going from 0.45 to 1.79 m/s. The temporal pressure changes in the forefoot and toes were paralleled by changes in MG muscle activity (i.e., cross-correlations of > or =0.90); TA muscle activity was not cross-correlated with the temporal pressure patterns in any region. However, the peak values of TA muscle activity were found to be highly correlated across speeds with peak pressures in the heel and toes (i.e., r > or =0.98); similar high correlations were found between peak values of MG muscle activity and heel pressure. In summary, these data collected on able-bodied persons during motorized treadmill walking can be useful for comparison to those of patients undergoing treadmill evaluations for atypical gait cycle patterns and for tracking the progress of patients during gait rehabilitation.     

Pressure distribution in Morton's foot structure

The Morton foot structure (MFS) is a foot having, as its most prominent distinguishing feature, a second metatarsal head which is more distally placed than the head of the first. This structure has been associated with a variety of foot problems in athletes. The origin of these foot problems has been hypothesized to be an abnormal metatarsal head loading pattern found in the MFS. This study was conducted to determine whether the MFS produced a metatarsal head pressure profile which was different from the non-Morton foot. Plantar pressure distributions during walking were collected using a 1000 element piezoceramic pressure platform from the feet of 45 subjects (30 classified as having the MFS and 15 non-Morton or control subjects). The protrusion of the head of the second metatarsal beyond the first metatarsal head was determined by palpation and varied between 0.8 and 2.8 cm for the experimental group. Pressure distributions were collected from a mid-gait step onto the platform at a speed of 1.6 to 2 m.s-1 using a 15 m runway. Peak pressures and impulse values were determined for three forefoot regions. Results show that peak loading in both groups occurred under the second metatarsal but that the magnitudes of second metatarsal peak pressures were significantly higher in the MFS group (P less than 0.005). The results suggest that, although the loading pattern between MFS and normal feet is similar, the significantly higher second metatarsal head peak pressure in the MFS may predispose this foot type to problems associated with excessive localized pressure.     

Vertical ground reaction forces during gait in children with and without calcaneal apophysitis

BackgroundHeightened vertical load beneath the foot has been anecdotally implicated in the development of activity-related heel pain of the calcaneal apophysis in children but is supported by limited evidence.Research questionThis study investigated whether vertical loading patterns during walking and running differed in children with and without calcaneal apophysitis.MethodsVertical ground reaction force, peak plantar pressure (forefoot, midfoot, heel) and temporospatial gait parameters (cadence, step length, stride, stance and swing phase durations) were determined in children with (n = 14) and without (n = 14) calcaneal apophysitis. Measures were acquired during barefoot walking and running at matched and self-selected speed using an instrumented treadmill, sampling at 120 Hz. Statistical comparisons between groups were made using repeated measure ANOVAs.ResultsThere were no significant between group differences in vertical ground reaction force peaks or regional peak plantar pressures. However, when normalised to stature, cadence was significantly higher (≈ 5%) and step length shorter (≈ 5%) in children with calcaneal apophysitis than those without, but only during running (P <.05). Maximum pressure beneath the rearfoot during running was significantly correlated with self-reported pain in children with calcaneal apophysitis.SignificancePeak vertical force and plantar pressures did not differ significantly in children with and without calcaneal apophysitis during walking or running. However, children with calcaneal apophysitis adopted a higher cadence than children without heel pain during running. While the findings suggest that children with calcaneal apophysitis may alter their cadence to lower pressure beneath the heel and, hence pain, they also highlight the benefit of evaluating running rather than walking gait in children with calcaneal apophysitis.     

健康女大学生步行时左右足支撑期时相特征比较

目的:研究健康女大学生步行时支撑期时相参数特征的左右差别,为临床诊断、康复评定、矫形处方和运动训练等提供参考依据。方法:应用footscan?足底压力测量系统测试32例健康女大学生步行时的动态足底压力,计算支撑期足跟触地阶段、前足触地阶段、全足支撑阶段、前足蹬离阶段占足-地接触时间百分比,以及足跟触地和前足触地两个阶段内足跟内侧和外侧足底压力,分析上述参数5次有效测试数据左右侧差异及重测信度。结果:步行时左右侧足-地接触时间分别为618.3 ms和617.8 ms。左侧足跟触地阶段、前足触地阶段、全足支撑阶段、前足蹬离阶段占足-地接触时间的百分比分别为8.66%、9.30%、39.13%、42.91%,右侧为8.54%、9.25%、38.89%、43.30%。左侧足跟触地和前足触地两个阶段内足跟内侧和外侧足底压力分别为1157.57 N/cm2和1055.35 N/cm2,右侧分别为1240.25 N/cm2和1050.45 N/cm2。上述各参数组内相关系数均大于0.76,左右侧差异均无统计学意义。结论:健康女大学生步行时支撑期4个阶段的时间分布参数以及足跟触地和前足触地两个阶段内足跟内侧和外侧足底压力左右侧无明显差异。     

The shock attenuation characteristics of four different insoles when worn in a military boot during running and marching

A study was undertaken to determine if placing shock absorbing insoles in the boots of Royal Marine recruits would attenuate the peak pressure at the foot-boot interface, when marching at 4.8 kph carrying a 32 kg (70 lb) Bergen and running at 12.8 kph in loose order plus webbing weighing 10 kg (22 lb). Four types of insoles were assessed: viscoelastic polymetric insole (Cambion(R)) polymetric foam insole (PPT(R)) Saran insole (military issue) and Sorbothane(R). There was a fifth control condition in which no insoles were used. Pressure measurements during heel strike and forefoot loading were taken using Paratec equipment with pressure measuring insoles placed in the boots. Data were obtained from eleven subjects and indicated that all the insoles significantly (P<0.05) attenuated the peak pressures generated during heel strike and forefoot loading. The performance of the four insoles in terms of peak pressure attenuation ranked in order with the best first were: Sorbothane Cambion PPT Saran. The Sorbothane insole was substantially and significantly (P<0.05) better than the other insoles in terms of attenuating peak pressures during heel strike. During running, mean peak pressure at heel strike was 494 kPa in the control condition, this was reduced to 377 kPa when wearing Sorbothane insoles (a reduction of 27%). When marching the Sorbothane insoles reduced the mean peak pressure at heel strike from 395 kPa (control) to 303 kPa (23% reduction). During forefoot loading the peak pressure attenuation of all four insoles was similar, although on average the Sorbothane insole performed slightly better than the others and was significantly different (P<0. 05) to the Cambion insole. Mean peak forefoot loading pressure in the control condition when running was 413 kPa, with the Sorbothane insole it was 367 kPa, during marching the respective mean peak pressures were 397 and 323 kPa. It is concluded that of the four types of insoles assessed the Sorbothane insoles attenuated the greatest amounts of the peak pressure generated at heel strike and during forefoot loading when running and marching wearing military boots.     

Longitudinal study of foot pressures during real-world walking as infants develop from new to confident walkers

BackgroundOnset of walking in infants leads to regular cyclic loading of the plantar foot surface for the first time. This is a critical period for evolving motor skills and foot structure and function. Plantar pressure literature typically studies gait only once walking is established and under conditions that artificially constrain the walking direction and bouts compared to how infants move in the real-world. We therefore do not know how the foot is loaded when self-directed walking is first achieved and whether it changes as walking is practiced.Research questionHow do pressures on the plantar foot in real-world walking change from new to confident walking?MethodsFifty-seven infants participated in a two-site longitudinal study. Bespoke child-friendly spaces incorporated large pressure platforms and video. Data was collected at two milestones: new (403 days) and confident (481 days) walking. Steps were defined as walking straight or turning medially/laterally. Pressure variables were calculated for eight-foot regions and compared between milestones.ResultsConfident walking resulted in more steps (median: 18 v 35) and almost twice as many turning steps. During straight-line steps, confident walking increased peak pressures in the medial heel (median: 99.3 v 106.7kPa, p < .05) and lateral forefoot (median: 53.9 v 65.3kPa, p < .001) and reduced medial toe pressure (median: 98.1 v 80.0kPa, p < .05). Relative medial midfoot contact area reduced (median: 12.4 v 11.2%, p < .05) as absolute foot contact increased. A faster transition across stance and a reduced relative contact time in the forefoot were recorded in confident walking.SignificancePressures change rapidly as walking is initiated with significant differences in foot loading evident within an average 77 days. Importantly, these changes differ in straight and turning walking. Continued reliance on assessment of straight-line walking during early stages of ambulation likely fails to characterise 26% of steps experienced by infant feet.     

Plantar loading and cadence alterations with fatigue

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to identify changes in loading characteristics of the foot associated with fatigue during running. METHODS: Nineteen healthy subjects ranging from 20 to 30 yr (mean = 22.3, SD = 2.4) were equipped with the Pedar in-shoe measurement system (Novel GmbH) for the assessment of plantar loading. After acclimation to the treadmill, subjects were progressed through the Ohio State protocol for exercise testing until fatigue was reported using Borg's RPE scale. Six right footsteps were recorded at 150 Hz for each subject's comfortable running pace under normal and fatigued conditions. A series of repeated measures multiple analysis of variance was performed for all dependent variables analyzed in this study including peak force (PF), force-time integral (FTI), peak pressure (PP), and pressure-time integral (PTI) for all regions of the plantar surface. RESULTS: Decreased step time, significantly smaller values under the heel for PP, PF, FTI, CT, and PTI, and trends toward increased medial forefoot loading were identified while subjects were running under fatigued conditions (alpha < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that subjects change running technique and plantar surface loading characteristics in response to fatigued conditions through increased cadence, decreased loading of the heel, and increased medial forefoot loading.     

Functional characterization of plantar pressure patterns in gait of typically developing children using dynamic pedobarography

BackgroundAbnormal foot posture is a common complaint presented in pediatric and pediatric orthopedic clinics. Functional, objective assessment of foot posture, with the potential for early identification of pathologic foot deformities, has, however, been lacking to date. While quantifying functional and regional impulses via dynamic pedobarography can improve the clinical assessment of children’s feet, normative values have not yet been reported or characterized.Research QuestionThe objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify and characterize the pattern and spectrum of foot impulses in walking-aged, typically developing children; and (2) compare these to impulses from non-disabled adults.MethodsFoot impulses of 102 participants (52 female) in five pre-determined age groups (2−3, 4–6, 7–10, 11−14, 15−17 years) were examined using dynamic pedobarography. Each pressure map (3 per foot per child) was divided according to anatomical foot regions: the hallux, heel, medial forefoot, lateral forefoot, lesser toes (D2 to D5), and midfoot. The impulse was calculated for each region and used to generate regional percent impulses and impulse ratios to assess anteroposterior and mediolateral balance within the foot.ResultsThe impulse through the midfoot was highest in the youngest age group, with a corresponding lower impulse through the medial forefoot. As age advanced, the midfoot impulse decreased (p = 0.001), and the forefoot balance shifted slightly more medially (%Medial Forefoot: p = 0.004; Medial-Lateral Forefoot Balance: p = 0.019). When compared to adults, there were no significant differences between 15−17 year old children and adults in any of the regional percent impulses and impulse ratios. This indicates that skeletal maturity of the foot by late adolescence results in functional characteristics seen in adults.SignificanceThe age-standardized norms of functional and regional impulse measures in children reported in this study can be used as a comparative benchmark in the clinical assessment of children presenting with various foot deformities.     

The influence of simulated wear upon the ability of insoles to reduce peak pressures during running when wearing military boots

Mechanical degradation of three types of shock absorbing insoles equivalent to 100–130 km of running did not reduce their ability to attenuate the peak pressures generated during running when wearing military boots. Pressure measurements at the heel and forefoot were recorded with pressure measuring insoles placed in the boots of nine subjects. Two of the three insoles tested reduced the peak pressures (P<0.05) generated at the heel and forefoot relative to the no-insole (control) condition. The most effective insole reduced the peak pressures at the heel by 37% and at the forefoot by 24%.     

Long distance running increases plantar pressures beneath the metatarsal heads: a barefoot walking investigation of 200 marathon runners

BACKGROUND: The growing popularity of endurance sports activities is associated with a growing number of metatarsal stress fractures in recreational runners. Excessive foot loading has been suggested as a potential cause for these problems [Bennell, K, Matheson G, Meeuwisse W, Brukner P. Risk factors for stress fractures. Sports Med 1999;28(2):91-122]. Therefore, the question arises whether long distance running affects foot loading characteristics like ground reaction forces and peak pressure in specific areas of the foot. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of long distance running on plantar pressure patterns before and after a marathon race. STUDY DESIGN: Repeated measurements of recreational runners before and after a marathon race. METHODS: Two hundred participants of the third Muenster marathon, 2004, were measured before and after the race with plantar pressure measurements during barefoot walking on a capacitive platform. The ratio between forefoot and toe loading was calculated to assess a suggested loading shift between these areas. RESULTS: The results of the whole group of participants revealed a significant difference in foot loading characteristics before and after the race. Post-race peak pressure and impulse values were higher in the forefoot regions and reduced under the toes. CONCLUSIONS: The increased peak pressure under the metatarsal heads after the race indicates a load shift from the toes to the metatarsal heads. This suggests an increased loading of the metatarsal bones and could explain the increased incidence of metatarsal stress fractures in long distance runners.     

Variations in plantar pressure variables across five cardiovascular exercises

PURPOSE: To quantify variations in plantar pressure variables in healthy adults across five cardiovascular exercises. METHODS: Ten young (19-35 yr old) and 10 middle-aged (45-60 yr old) individuals participated. After equipment familiarization, plantar pressure data were recorded during walking, running, elliptical training, stair climbing, and recumbent biking. Separate one-way analyses of variance with repeated measures identified significant differences in pressure variables across exercises and between age groups under the forefoot, arch, and heel. RESULTS: Forefoot: Peak pressures were higher during walking (253 kPa), running (251 kPa), and elliptical training (213 kPa) than stair climbing (130 kPa) and recumbent biking (41 kPa; P < or = 0.001). Biking pressures were lower than all other conditions (P < 0.001). Arch: Pressures were higher during running (144 kPa) compared with all other conditions (P < or = 0.001). Intermediate-level pressures during walking (119 kPa) and elliptical training (102 kPa) exceeded those during stair climbing (80 kPa; P < or = 0.002). Pressures were lowest during recumbent biking (33 kPa; P < 0.001). Heel: Pressures were highest during walking (215 kPa) and running (188 kPa), exceeding those recorded during all other activities (P < 0.001). Moderate elliptical training pressures (94 kPa) surpassed stair climbing values (66 kPa; P = 0.014). Pressures were lowest during recumbent biking (25 kPa; P < 0.001). The only significant difference identified between age groups was a larger arch contact area in the young compared with middle-aged, when averaged across exercises (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: When protection of the forefoot is important (e.g., diabetic foot neuropathies), biking and stair climbing offer optimal pressure reductions. If protecting the heel from high pressures and forces is warranted, recumbent biking, stair climbing, and elliptical training provide greater relief.     

Changes to stance limb peak,cumulative, and regional plantar foot forces among normal walking and three mobility aids in healthy older adults

BackgroundMobility aids are commonly prescribed to offload an injured lower extremity. Device selection may impact stance foot loading patterns and foot health in clinical populations at risk of foot ulceration.Research questionsTwo questions motivated this study: How does device selection influence peak plantar and regional (rearfoot, mid foot and forefoot) foot forces on the stance foot? Does device selection influence peak, cumulative, and regional plantar forces within a 200 m walking trial?MethodsTwenty-one older adults walked 200 m at self-selected pace in four randomized conditions for this prospective crossover study. Participants used a walker, crutches, wheeled knee walker (WKW), and no assistive device (control condition). Plantar forces were measured using a wireless in-shoe system (Loadsol, Novel Inc., St. Paul, MN). Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to determine differences in peak and cumulative total and regional forces among walking conditions. Paired sample t-tests compared forces during first and last 30 s epochs of each condition to determine device influence over time.ResultsThe WKW reduced peak net forces by 0.29 and 0.35 bodyweight (BW) when compared to the walker or control condition with similar trends in all foot regions. Crutch use had similar peak forces as control. There were no differences in the number of steps taken within devices comparing first and last epochs. Crutches had a 0.04 and 0.07 BW increase in peak net and forefoot forces during the last epoch. Walker use had 66.44 BW lower cumulative forefoot forces in the last epoch.SignificanceCrutches had similar stance foot loading as normal walking while a walker lowered forefoot forces at the expense of increased steps. A WKW may be the best choice to ‘protect’ tissues in the stance foot from exposure to peak and cumulative forces in the forefoot region.     

Dynamic force distribution during level walking under the feet of patients with chronic ankle instability

OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in the pattern of force transfer between the foot and the floor associated with chronically sprained ankles by measuring the peak forces and their timing under several regions of the feet during level walking. METHODS: Twelve young male subjects (mean (SD) age 21 (2) years) with recurrent ankle sprains were studied. Seven of them had unilateral and bilateral chronic instability and laxity, and five had bilateral instability. Twelve healthy men (without orthopaedic or medical disease) served as a control group. Subjects walked at their own pace along a 7 m walkway, which included a Mini-EMED pressure distribution measuring system. The variables measured were relative peak force (fraction of body weight) and relative timing (fraction of stance time). These variables were measured under six regions of interest in each foot print: heel, midfoot, medial, central, and lateral forefoot, and toes. RESULTS: (a) A significant delay to the time of peak force under the central and lateral forefoot and toes in subjects with chronic ankle instability. (b) A significant decrease in the relative forces under the heel and toes and an increase in the relative forces under the midfoot and lateral forefoot in subjects with chronic ankle instability. (c) In the patients with unilateral instability, there were no significant differences in any of the variables between the injured and non-injured foot. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic ankle instability, there is a slowing down of weight transfer from heel strike to toe off, a reduced impact at the beginning and end of the stance phase, and a lateral shift of body weight.     

Comparison of plantar pressure distribution in adolescent runners at low vs. high running velocity

This study aimed to compare foot plantar pressure distribution while jogging and running in highly trained adolescent runners. Eleven participants performed two constant-velocity running trials either at jogging (11.2 ± 0.9 km/h) or running (17.8 ± 1.4 km/h) pace on a treadmill. Contact area (CA in cm(2)), maximum force (F(max) in N), peak pressure (PP in kPa), contact time (CT in ms), and relative load (force time integral in each individual region divided by the force time integral for the total plantar foot surface, in %) were measured in nine regions of the right foot using an in-shoe plantar pressure device. Under the whole foot, CA, F(max) and PP were lower in jogging than in running (-1.2% [p<0.05], -12.3% [p<0.001] and -15.1% [p<0.01] respectively) whereas CT was higher (+20.1%; p<0.001). Interestingly, we found an increase in relative load under the medial and central forefoot regions while jogging (+6.7% and +3.7%, respectively; [p<0.05]), while the relative load under the lesser toes (-8.4%; p<0.05) was reduced. In order to prevent overloading of the metatarsals in adolescent runners, excessive mileage at jogging pace should be avoided.     

The effect of a long-distance run on plantar pressure distribution during running

The purpose of this study was to assess plantar pressure alterations after long-distance running. Prior to and after a 20 km run, force distribution underneath the feet of 52 participants was registered using Footscan(?) pressure plates while the participants ran shod at a constant self-selected pace. Peak force, mean force and impulse were registered underneath different zones of the foot. In addition, temporal data as total foot contact time, time of contact and end of contact were derived for these zones. Furthermore, a medio-lateral pressure distribution ratio was calculated in different phases of the roll-off. After the run, increases in the loading of the forefoot, midfoot and medial heel were noted and decreases in loading of the lateral toes. In the forefoot push off phase a more lateral pressure distribution was observed. The results of this study demonstrated plantar pressure deviations after long-distance running which could give additional information related to several running injuries.     

An optimized design of in-shoe heel lifts reduces plantar pressure of healthy males

Conventional heel lift with a flat surface increases the risk of foot problems related to higher plantar pressure and decreased stability. In this study, an optimized design of in-shoe heel lifts developed to maintain the midfoot function was tested to investigate if the plantar pressure distribution was improved. The design was based on three dimensional foot plantar contour which was captured by an Infoot 3D scanning system while the heel was elevated by a heel wedge. To facilitate midfoot function, an arch support was designed to support the lateral longitudinal arch, while allowing functional movement of the medial longitudinal arch. Twenty healthy male subjects were asked to walk along an 8 m walkway while wearing high-cut footwear with and without the optimized heel lift. Peak pressure, contact area and force–time integral were measured using the Pedar insole system. Range and velocity of medial-lateral center of pressure during forefoot contact phase and foot flat phase were collected using a Footscan pressure plate. Compared to the shoe only condition, peak pressure under the rearfoot decreased with the optimized heel lift, while no increase of peak pressure was observed under the forefoot and midfoot regions, indicating improved plantar pressure distribution. The findings of this study suggest that this optimized heel lift has better biomechanical performance than a conventional flat heel lift. Results from this study may have implications for insole and shoe last design, especially for people who need additional heel height without sacrificing midfoot function.