Foot model for tracking temperature of safety boot insoles: application to different insole materials in firefighter boots

Abstract

This research is based on the development of a human foot model to study the temperature conditions of a foot bottom surface under extreme external conditions. This foot model is made by combining different manufacturing techniques to enable the simulation of bones and tissues, allowing the placement of sensors on its surface to track the temperature values of different points inside a shoe. These sensors let researchers capture valuable data during a defined period of time, making it possible to compare the features of different safety boots, socks or soles, among others. In this case, it has been applied to compare different plantar insole materials, placed into safety boots on a high-temperature surface.

Keywords:

• safety boot
• extreme temperatures
• foot
• firefighter

Acknowledgements

The researchers would like to thank Podoactiva S.L. (Spain) for the podiatric advice and the manufacturing of the customized insole used in this study. Their thanks go also to the Integrated College of Technical Training ‘Corona de Aragón’ from Zaragoza (Spain) for making possible the use of the ZPrinter^® 650.[28] Finally, the authors’ appreciation is also extended to the managers of the Fire Protection Service of the Diputación Provincial de Zaragoza, for the technical information on firefighting methods and materials.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The ZPrinter^® 650 was available as part of a project funded by the Spanish Government [BOE-A-2011–16800-P.111866].