The international journal for foot orthotics

Photo: © Fraunhofer CPM

06 May 2026

Programmable Monomaterial for High-Tech Athletic Shoes

High-quality athletic shoes are usually made from a complex combination of materials. This has consequences for both production and recycling. In the ZiProMat project, Fraunhofer researchers have found another way. A sole made of programmable monomaterial performs various functions and is also made of the same material as the upper. The concept combines high-tech, sustainability and recyclability.

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Participants in the parliamentary breakfast (from l.to.r.): Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, Bernd Franke, Pedorthist (International Master), Anne König (CDU), MoP, Fabrice Carstens Master Metalworker, Anna-Lina Puna, Master Goldsmith, Michael Olmer, Erik Ruh EZ Scout. (Photo: Franke)

06 May 2026

German Craftsmanship on the International Stage: Pedorthics for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

Bernd Franke, International Master of Pedorthics, has increasingly drawn political attention for his work in Ukraine. At the invitation of GIZ Executive Board Spokesperson Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, he first presented the training curriculum for his craft in Ukraine at the GIZ headquarters in Eschborn—a presentation that opened further doors.

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Photo: OTWorld/Tom Schulze

06 May 2026

OTWorld 2026: Working Together for the Patient

How can we achieve seamlessly integrated care—from acute treatment through rehabilitation to assistive technology and follow-up care? The OTWorld 2026 World Congress will address this question in a series of sessions. From May 19 to 22, the World Congress and international trade fair in Leipzig will bring together experts in medicine, orthopedics (and orthopedic footwear), physical therapy, and science from around 90 countries.

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Photo: Barefoot/Esra Klein

06 May 2026

Barefoot Shoe Fair: For manufacturers, retailers and enthusiasts

Last year, the first the "Barefoot European Shoe" trade fair was held in Offenbach, Germany, and was very well received by shoe manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. The 2nd Barefoot Shoe Fair will take place in Offenbach from 24 to 26 July 2026.

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06 May 2026

PAA-Conference: Call for Abstracts Now Open

The Pedorthic Association of Australia’s Pedorthic Conference 2026 “ Footprints in Progress: Pedorthics in Motion” will be held on 11–12 September 2026 in Sydney, bringing together clinicians, researchers, students, and allied health professionals from across the sector.

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16 April 2026

New foot&shoe published

The latest issue of foot & shoe has been published. It features articles on the evolution of the profession in Australia, the future of pedorthics, and recommendations for selecting and fabricating foot orthotics. There is also a preview of the 2027 IVO Congress, which will be held alongside ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK in Cologne once again. Click on the "more" button for more information about the content, or download the issue directly for free.

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