Customized Segmentation of Footwear based on Functional Biomechanical Variables

为合适的人找到合适的鞋子是一项重要的任务，因为人们认为拥有合适的鞋子可以降低受伤的风险，增加舒适度并提高性能。目前的鞋制造商生产的最小型号的鞋类，被认为是满足整个人口的要求，但任何人谁曾经买过一双鞋知道这不是事实。在一个理想的世界里，我们将能够定制一个人的鞋子，以满足他们的需求。事实上，就像裁缝可以定制西装一样，鞋类公司现在也有了定制鞋子的技术。例如，制造商可以利用3D打印来设计材料，并制造出适合个人的鞋子。虽然该技术是可用的，但是对于什么样的鞋构造特征对于个人是最佳的知识是未知的。此外，还不知道定制鞋需要从个体测量的哪些基本变量。定制鞋类的能力触手可及，但在如何有效使用3D打印等技术方面的知识空白，阻碍了鞋类这种令人兴奋的个性化成为现实。 在新鞋里，每个人的站立和移动方式都不同。我们的团队可以使用先进的生物力学工具来确定这些差异。然而，也有一些群体的个体做出类似的反应，例如，在跑步时。这些个体的组被称为“功能组”。这项研究的第一部分将确定这些功能组的关键特征（例如脚的形状，跑步所需的总能量成本）。这些功能组可能有不同的鞋类要求。在本研究计划的第二部分中，我们将使用主观和客观方法确定最适合这些功能组的鞋结构特征。最后，我们将确定为个人定制鞋类的过程。 根据定义功能组所需的重要变量，我们将在后面探讨在零售店中可以使用哪些简单的测试来定义功能组。这些测试将使零售商店能够将人们分为功能组，并为他们提供相应的适当鞋类。 加拿大人民将从这项研究计划中获得巨大的利益。鞋类是我们社会的重要组成部分。我们穿不同的鞋，无论是在工作，运动，或外出跑腿。为合适的人提供合适的鞋子对于预防受伤、在运动中表现更好或只是改善日常舒适度至关重要。从我们的研究中获得的知识将为制造商提供如何定制跑步鞋以及长期用于其他运动或休闲活动的鞋的信息。一旦制鞋公司掌握了这一知识，将大规模定制鞋类推向公众的进程将加快。

Finding the right shoe for the right person is an important task because having the correct footwear for a person is thought to lead to reduced risk of injury, increased comfort, and improved performance. Current shoe manufacturers produce minimal models of footwear that are thought to meet the requirements of the entire population, but anyone who has ever bought a pair of shoes knows this is not the case. In an ideal world, we would be able to customize a person’s footwear to their needs. In fact, just as a tailor can customize a suit, footwear companies now have the technology to customize shoes. For example, manufacturers can leverage the use of 3D printing to design material and construct a shoe that is perfect for an individual. Although the technology is available, the knowledge of what shoe construction features are optimal for an individual are not known. Further, it is unknown what essential variables measured from an individual are needed for customized shoes. The ability to customize footwear is at our fingertips, but the void in knowledge of how to effectively use technologies, such as 3D printing, is preventing this exciting individualization of footwear from becoming a reality. In a new shoe, each person will stand and move differently. Our group can use advanced biomechanical tools to determine these differences. However, there are groups of individuals that respond similarly, for example, while running. These groups of individuals are named “functional groups”. The first part of this research will determine the key characteristics of these functional groups (e.g. shape of a foot, total energy cost needed to run). These functional groups will likely have different footwear requirements. In the second part of this research program, we will determine the shoe construction features that are the best for these functional groups using subjective and objective methods. Lastly, we will determine the processes that underlie footwear customization for an individual. Based on the important variables needed to define functional groups, we will later explore which simple tests can be used in retail stores to define functional groups. These tests will allow retail stores to group people into functional groups and to provide them with the corresponding proper footwear. The people of Canada will reap remarkable benefits from this research program. Footwear is an essential part of our society. We wear different shoes whether we are at work, playing a sport, or out running errands. Having the right shoe for the right person is critical for the prevention of injuries, performing better at a sport, or simply improving your day to day comfort. The knowledge from our research will inform manufacturers of how to customize shoes for running and in the long term, for other sport or leisure activities. Once shoe companies have this knowledge, the process of bringing mass customization of footwear to the public will be expedited.