A multidisciplinary review on footwear 3D printing: From biomechanics to therapeutics

Abstract

Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing have expanded design freedom across various fields, including footwear. Driven by recent progress in biomechanics, footwear has increasingly adopted complex structural designs to meet diverse functional demands, ranging from personal activity to competitive athletics and medical rehabilitation. Accordingly, the role of 3D printing in footwear development has become increasingly significant. This review categorizes the functions of footwear into protection, performance enhancement, and therapeutic applications, and systematically explores the impact of 3D printing on each of these primary functions. 3D printing technology enables the fabrication of complex but mechanically efficient structures, while the 3D scanning method facilitates the application of optimal, personalized designs tailored to individual biomechanics, which significantly impact all three functional areas of footwear. Such design advantages offered by 3D printing have been demonstrated across various fields, with both commercial and academic examples presented to support these findings. This review highlights interdisciplinary insights from biomechanics, ergonomics, and clinical studies to discuss the current status, limitations, and future potential of 3D-printed footwear. We conclude that continuous advancements in design methodology, material science, and printing technology will accelerate the adoption of 3D printing in next-generation footwear.  

Keywords

3D printing / 3D printed shoes / Footwear / Foot protection / Running efficiency / Foot orthotics

Funding

This work was supported by Seoul National University Research Grant in 2021. The authors also acknowledge the financial support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Grants funded by the Korean Government (MSIT) (RS-2022-NR070098, RS-2023-00208052, and RS-2023-00218543).

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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