Did you know? In the manufacturing of safety footwear, everything starts with the shape and the fit. These two elements are like the foundations of a house: they ensure comfort and security for your feet, essential for everyday wear.
These terms may sound technical, but no worries!
With this article, you'll understand why shape and fit play a crucial role in the protection and comfort of your feet.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding foot anatomy
To fully appreciate the importance of shape and fit, it is essential to first understand the anatomy of your feet.
The foot in key figures
The human foot is a true precision machine, often overlooked until it starts to cause discomfort.
→ 26 bones, 20 muscles, and 16 joints: The foot is designed to absorb shocks, maintain stability, and enable smooth movement.
→ On average, according to the WHO, a person walks approximately 180,000 kilometers in a lifetime—the equivalent of circling the Earth four times!
These figures highlight how hard our feet work every day. And depending on your job or lifestyle, the strain can be even greater. So, it’s essential to protect them properly!
The different types of feet
Each foot is unique, with variations in morphology that can differ in many ways.
These differences play a crucial role in selecting the right safety footwear.
Foot shape
There are three common foot shapes that you may already know:
- Egyptian: The big toe is the longest, with the others decreasing in length.
- Square: All toes are roughly the same length.
- Greek: The second toe is longer than the others. In this case, extra space at the front of your shoes is recommended.
Did you know?
65% of people have an Egyptian foot shape, while the remaining 35% have either a Square or Greek shape.
The arch of the foot
Beyond toe shape, the arch of the foot also varies from person to person.
- Normal or physiological feet have a well-balanced arch.
- Flat feet have little to no visible arch, which can lead to discomfort.
- High-arched feet have a very pronounced arch and require specific adjustments to prevent pain or musculoskeletal issues.
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The ground contact phase
When we walk, our foot is not always 100% in contact with the ground. Sometimes, we tend to walk more on the inner or outer part of the foot—a phenomenon known as pronation and supination.
- Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward during the ground contact phase, meaning more weight is placed on the inner side of the foot.
- Supination, on the other hand, happens when the foot rolls outward, causing the weight to rest more on the outer edge of the foot.
Did you know?
You can determine whether you tend to pronate or supinate by observing the wear pattern on your shoe soles, particularly at the heel.
Foot gait
Ever heard of duck feet?
Technically, this is called abduction, where the feet point outward while walking.
Conversely, when walking with the feet turned inward, it is referred to as adduction.
These characteristics can also impact your daily comfort and influence key factors when choosing your safety footwear.
The importance of understanding your foot anatomy
These individual differences directly influence the choice of footwear and its ability to provide a perfect fit.
When designing our models, we take these variations into account to create shoes that adapt to a wide range of foot shapes. Every detail is carefully considered to meet the specific needs of each foot type.
By understanding your foot anatomy and expectations, you can choose safety footwear that perfectly suits your needs.
Fit and last of safety footwear
Thanks to the design of our lasts, we create fits that perfectly adapt to all foot morphologies.
What is the last of a shoe?
The last is a wooden or plastic model that defines the volume and proportions of a shoe. It determines how the shoe wraps around your foot.
A well-designed last ensures a precise fit to the foot's contours, enhancing comfort while also preventing injuries by properly distributing pressure points.
What is the fit of safety footwear?
The fit refers to the interior of the shoe, which is in direct contact with the foot.
The fit determines how the foot is wrapped and supported inside the shoe. Choosing the right fit is essential to match the shoe as closely as possible to the foot’s morphology.
A good fit should:
- Secure the foot
- Allow enough freedom for natural movement
- Prevent painful pressure points or friction
- Provide comfort
The fit is the result of a well-designed last, meaning the last is the foundation of the comfort and well-being you experience when wearing a shoe.
The different measurements of the last
Creating safety footwear that fits all foot shapes is a real challenge, requiring a detailed analysis of several precise measurements.
No fewer than 35 measurements are considered to design an ergonomic last that ensures comfort, support, and protection.
The length corresponds to the foot size (from the big toe to the heel) plus 5% to ensure a proper fit—neither too tight nor too loose. This measurement is used for the shoe's construction from the bottom.
By precisely adjusting the length, we ensure that the foot naturally rests in the shoe while providing enough space for the toes and optimal foot support.
The fitting width is measured at the widest part of the foot’s sides. It helps prevent lateral compression, which can cause discomfort.
The fitting width is measured at the widest part of the sides. It helps prevent lateral compression, which can cause discomfort.
The joint perimeter is a volumetric measurement that evaluates the contour of the last at the point where the foot naturally bends. More complex than width or length, this measurement requires precision to capture variations in volume related to anatomy and posture.
By adjusting this parameter, we can design shoes that respect the foot’s natural curves while preventing excessive compression.
This is a key factor in ensuring comfort, especially for people with sensitive or wider feet.
When carefully analyzed and combined, these different measurements allow us to create footwear that meets the specific needs of each user.
The different shoe sizes
Did you know that shoe sizes are not universal and vary depending on the measurement systems used worldwide?
These standards, which differ in their unit increments, play a key role in shoe design and influence the fit.
When a model is created, it is based on a calibrated last in a reference size, which serves as the foundation for developing other sizes:
- For men's models, size 42 is typically used as the starting point.
- For women's models, the reference size is usually 37.
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Once the last is validated in this reference size, it is graded to create other sizes, adjusting for length, width, and perimeter. These adjustments follow specific standards based on the measurement system used.
Here’s an overview of the main shoe sizing systems:
The French Point System
Le système le plus répandu en Europe est le point Français, connu pour sa précision et sa standardisation efficace.
- Progression de la longueur : chaque pointure augmente de 6,66 mm.
- Progression de la largeur : l’écart entre deux pointures au niveau de la largeur est de 3,33 mm.
Ce système est idéal pour des ajustements précis pour la fabrication des chaussures, d’où sa popularité en Europe.
The English Point System
English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, primarily use the English Point System, which is based on slightly larger units, equivalent to 1/3 of an inch.
- Length progression: Each size increases by 8.46 mm.
- Perimeter progression: The perimeter expands by 6.35 mm between two sizes.
This measurement system is slightly different and tends to be more suitable for wider feet, which can influence the perception of comfort.
The Mondopoint System
The Mondopoint system stands out for its simplicity and universal approach: it directly measures foot length and width in millimeters.
- Length progression: Each size increases by 5 mm.
- Perimeter progression: The width increases by 3.5 mm between two sizes.
This system is widely used in technical footwear, such as outdoor shoes, due to its precision and adaptability to all foot shapes. It is also practical for international use.
The double fit: a solution adapted to all foot shapes
At Lemaitre Sécurité, we offer an innovative solution to accommodate the diversity of foot shapes: the double fit.
This double fit is based on the distinction between female and male fits, taking into account the anatomical specificities of each.
The female fit
The female fit is designed for slimmer feet and a generally lower instep. This unique design ensures a precise fit, reducing friction and enhancing comfort.
- Available sizes: From 35 to 39, for both women’s and unisex models.
- Refined structure: Proportions are specifically adapted to the female foot morphology, providing a perfect fit for better stability.
- Lightweight and flexible materials: These materials ensure optimal comfort, even after long hours of work.
- Optimized soles: Designed with feminine lines while offering exceptional support to prevent pain and ensure maximum protection.
This fit is available in many unisex models within our TRAIL PU2D, TRAILIUM, and VIBRAM ranges, featuring:
- A female fit for sizes 35 to 39
- A male fit for sizes 40 to 49
For example, the STELVIO and VARADERO models, ideal for demanding environments such as construction sites, combine protection, comfort, and well-being for both women and men.
Of course, our female fits are also featured in our 100% women’s range, LADIES, which includes models such as EVA S3S and VITAMINE S3.
The male fit
For larger sizes, the double fit is specifically adapted to men's feet, referred to as the male fit. It is designed to meet the needs of wider and often more voluminous feet.
- Sizes: From 40 to 49.
- Wider fit: This fit is slightly broader, allowing it to accommodate a variety of foot shapes.
- Long-lasting comfort: The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable feel and a secure fit in any environment.
As mentioned earlier, this double fit is available in all models within our TRAIL PU2D, TRAILIUM, and VIBRAM ranges.
This approach guarantees an optimal fit for everyone, regardless of size or foot shape. Thanks to this design, our footwear ensures maximum safety and comfort for all.
Why is a good fit essential for safety footwear?
A shoe that respects the anatomy of your feet is not a luxury but a necessity.
An ill-fitting shoe can cause numerous issues: pain, friction, and even musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
On the other hand, well-designed footwear provides comfort and helps reduce fatigue over time. This is especially crucial for professionals who spend long hours on their feet.
These factors should not be overlooked, as they allow workers to stay focused on their tasks without being distracted by pain or discomfort.
Through this meticulous approach, the design of safety footwear becomes a true craft dedicated to workers' well-being.
Conclusion
At Lemaitre, we are committed to offering safety footwear that combines innovation, comfort, and protection. Thanks to our technical expertise and meticulous attention to the last and fit, we design models that adapt to all foot shapes. By taking care of your feet, we take care of your health and daily performance.
Choosing Lemaitre means choosing footwear that supports you durably in all your tasks.
Because your feet are at the heart of your mobility, we make their well-being and safety a priority. Opt for shoes that not only protect your feet but also enhance your comfort and optimize your performance every day.