Using Axiomatic Design to Reinvent Shoe Soles to Reduce Lower Leg and Foot Injuries

Foody, Sean

Student Work

Using Axiomatic Design to Reinvent Shoe Soles to Reduce Lower Leg and Foot Injuries

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The objective of this project is to develop and manufacture a system for a split-sole, load-limiting shoe to reduce the chances of lower leg and/or foot injury. Most lower leg or foot injuries occur when a player’s foot catches he ground, causing a shear force on the plane that travels up the leg and into the knee region. Athletes who play sports such as soccer, basketball, and football have been getting injured much more, partially from the introduction of turf playing surfaces; these play instances lead to tons of season-ending injuries from high school level athletes, and up to professional level athletes. This shoe sole has split soles which enable the foot to be displaced horizontally, significantly reducing the chance of a knee, foot, or related injury. The development of the sole involved using Suh’s principles of Axiomatic Design, which led to a design solution that is adjustable and controllable with success.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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