Creative Design: Professional

From Sneaker to Boot: A Modular Footwear Design to Enhance Fit and Function for Ankle-Foot Orthosis Users

---

Abstract

Footwear is particularly challenging for people with disabilities specifically those who use assistive devices. Approximately 2/4 million people in the United States use ankle foot orthosis. Although AFOs are among the most prescribed lower limb orthoses, there are relatively few footwear brands that are designed to accommodate wearing AFO’s. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to address the footwear needs of adults who use AFOs through an adaptive footwear solution. The footwear solution proposed in this study was developed through interviews with 12 participants from 9 states in the US. The outcome of this design-based research reflects mass-market footwear aesthetics in both color and silhouette, while seamlessly incorporating modular elements that allow conversion between sneaker and boot forms. Overall, this research contributes to academic discourse by providing valuable data for study and innovation in materials, technologies, and methods applicable to other adaptive products.

Keywords: Adaptive, Footwear, AFO, 3D Scanning, 3D Printing

How to Cite:

Aflatoony, L. & Morris, K. D., (2025) “From Sneaker to Boot: A Modular Footwear Design to Enhance Fit and Function for Ankle-Foot Orthosis Users”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.22065