27 August 2026 | Phedortics International

New foot&shoe published

The latest issue of Foot & Shoe has been published. It includes articles on preserving professional knowledge and pedorthics in Uganda, as well as studies examining the effects of foot orthotics.

You can download the issue for free from the foot&shoe website.

Contents

IVO Congress and Trade Fair “ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK” 2027: Global Gathering of Pedorthists

On October 22 and 23, 2027, the city of Cologne, Germany, will become the global hub for pedorthics: For the second time, the Congress of the International Association of Orthopedic Shoe Technicians (IVO) will be held in conjunction with the ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK trade show.

Australia: Pedorthics in Motion

The Pedorthics Association of Australia (PAA) invites you to its annual conference in Sydney on September 11 – 12, 2026.

Gait stability can be maintained even in old age

In his new book, “Walking and Gait Stability” Dr. Wolfgang Laube takes an in-depth look at the fundamentals of human walking and the factors that can impair this basic human ability. One of these factors is age. In this interview, he explains how to maintain a stable gait, when you grow older.

Preserve the knowledge before we no longer know what we have lost

Valuable craftsmanship knowledge is being lost in the field of pedorthics (orthopedic footwear technology) — due to a lack of apprentices, valuable curricula that are no longer being used, and the fact that skilled workers are leaving the profession without documenting or passing on their wealth of experience. In response, “Learn to Last” was created—an international online learning platform designed to preserve this knowledge and make it accessible worldwide — especially for people in regions without formal training opportunities.

Pedorthics in Uganda

Pedorthics is still virtually unknown as a profession in Uganda. That is set to change in the coming years. Two years ago, the nonprofit organization PRO Uganda expanded its orthopedic technology workshop to include pedorthics. As with orthopedic technology, providing care to patients in pedorthics involves more than just mastering technical challenges.

Clinical Outcomes of Custom Foot Orthoses in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a painful and function-limiting condition most commonly affecting middle-aged and older adults. Although custom foot orthoses (CFOs) are routinely prescribed as a conservative intervention, evidence from large clinical cohorts remains limited. A retrospective analysis of clinical records between January 1, 2016 and May 31, 2025 across 25 Canadian pedorthic clinics demonstrated significant pain reduction following CFOs use. CFOs were associated with meaningful pain reduction, improved function, and high patient-reported benefit in individuals with PCFD.

Can Individually Customized Orthopedic Insoles Reduce Sick Leave Among Industrial Workers?

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of sickness absence and reduced productivity in industrial occupations, prompting widespread adoption of workplace health interventions. This systematic review synthesized findings from 57 published studies to assess the effectiveness of individually customized orthopedic insoles (ICOIs) on sickness absence, productivity, and implementation in industrial employees.

Studies on the Effects of Foot Orthotics

We highlight two studies that examine the effects of orthotics from different perspectives: a meta-analysis on the effects of orthotics in knee osteoarthritis and a study on orthotics that takes a new approach to treating pronated feet.

Download the latest issue here

 

 

 

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Keynote presentation during the symposium (Photo: PAC)
06 May 2026

PAC-Symposium: 3 Days of Networking and Communication

The Pedorthic Association of Canada’s (PAC) annual Symposium held April 23–25, 2026 in Toronto, brought together the country’s Pedorthic community for three days of high-impact networking, education, and forward-looking dialogue. The program featured a 60+ booth, two-day trade show showcasing the latest technologies, products, and services shaping the industry, alongside a well-attended President’s Lunch recognizing outstanding contributions across the profession, and a lively social evening complete with live entertainment and themed networking.

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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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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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