
FOOT/ANKLE
This chapter will review anatomical systems of the foot/ankle. Common considerations for designers and engineers when innovating products for the foot/ankle will also be reviewed, along with an example student project.
SECTION 1 - ANATOMICAL SYSTEMS
Overview of the skeletal, muscular & nervous related to the foot/ankle.

Foot/Ankle Skeletal System
LaBat & Ryan, Figure 8.1

Foot/Ankle Muscular System
LaBat & Ryan, Figure 8.12

Foot/Ankle Nervous System
LaBat & Sokolowski, Figure 002
SECTION 2 - DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
When designing products that are worn around the foot/ankle, it is important to consider how the anatomical systems move.

Shoe Styles & Bone Alignment
LaBat & Ryan, Figure 8.3
SECTION 3 - KNOWLEDGE IN PRACTICE
With this information in mind, let's take a look at a product designed for the foot/ankle.

Design Problem:
Systems Involved:
65% of women in the US wear size 14 or above, yet running brands primarily design products for a thin, male body
that fits the image of what a runner looks like. Any Body acknowledges and embraces the athletes who don’t fit that mold
—the women who were told they’re too fat to run but did it anyways.
Skeletal, muscular and integumentary systems
Useful Resources:
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Research papers around footwear fit and the effect on performance
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3D foot scanning and anthropometric measures
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Working with a last maker to develop a relevant last
Follow the link below to learn more about this project.