Dissertation

Introduction

Ill-fitting military boots are a critical factor contributing to major foot injuries among soldiers. Recent studies indicate that a significant proportion of soldiers experience foot problems due to improper boot fit, which can severely impact their operational performance and overall health. This research focuses specifically on the role of boot fitting causing foot injuries.​

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Research Background

This study stems from both professional expertise in footwear development and personal experiences. The researcher, Oliver VOLTE (Wing Fa Chan), brings extensive knowledge in product development and export sales within the footwear industry. The topic gained personal significance when her son, an active-duty soldier, suffered foot injuries attributed to poorly fitting military boots.

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Research Objectives

To investigate the relationship between military boot fitting and major foot injuries among infantry soldiers, aiming to improve military boot fitting practices and reduce ill-fitting related foot injuries.

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Methodology

Our research employs a mixed-method approach, including:

• Literature review : Analysis of existing studies on foot injuries linked to military footwear.

• Survey : Distribution of questionnaires to active-duty French infantry soldiers to gather firsthand data. 

• Boot Sizing Analysis: Examination of current military boot sizing practices and their limitations.

• Injury Correlation Study: Statistical analysis of the relationship between improper boot fit and specific foot injuries.

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Research Significance

The study emphasizes the importance of proper boot fitting for:​

• Enhancing soldier mobility and comfort

• Reducing the risk of foot injuries and related health issues

• Improving operational readiness and performance

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Research Collaboration Opportunities

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​Military Personnel​

• Anonymous survey participation(2 minutes)

• Receive a free eBook on military foot health

• Contribute valuable insights for improving military footwear ergonomics

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Military Organizations

• Evidence-based research to enhance soldier foot health

• Scientific data to support equipment decisions

• Focus on injury prevention through improved fitting practices

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Healthcare Professionals

• Contribute expertise to military foot health research

• Participate in advancing footwear ergonomics knowledge

• Share insights on injury prevention strategies

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​Footwear Industry Specialists

• Participate in evidence-based research

• Contribute to advancing military footwear ergonomics

• Support scientific understanding of boot fitting optimization

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References 

• Franklyn-Miller et al. (2011) Military footwear and stress injuries

• Schulze et al. (2014) Influence of footwear fit on military performance

• Wilson et al. (2017) Prevention of lower extremity stress injuries

• Andersen et al. (2020) Combat boot ergonomics analysis

• Rossi, W. A., & Ross, T. (2012). *Professional Shoe Fitting*. National Shoe Retailers Association.

• Nesterovica, D., Vaivads, N., & Stepens, A. (2021). Relationship of footwear comfort, selected size, and lower leg overuse injuries among infantry soldiers. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22*, 952.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​Research conducted by Wing Fa Oliver CHAN (VOLTE)

Federation for European Education (FEDE)  

Wes'SUP Lyon, FRANCE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​