Footwear Developments and Innovations

Footwear has evolved from a basic necessity into a fashion and functional item. Today, footwear consumers not only focus on the quality and design of products, but also the thermo-physical wearing comfort that closely associate with the specific fit and design, physical properties and construction, activity level, and its intended end-use. Nevertheless, for optimal foot protection and support, the design of footwear and the choice of fabrication materials is highly complex. Multi-layered composites and/or cushioning pads are strategically placed in different parts of the footwear so as to address the needs of the various pathological zones for the intended end-uses. The aim of this book is therefore to highlight some of the recent footwear developments and innovations, and provide a review of their features and/or fabrication materials in respect to individuals with different footwear needs.