Armored 
Medical Research Laboratory 
Fop=*t Kentvc^y 
Report On 
PROJECT NO. T-10 - THE DESIGN AND FIT OF ARMY SHOES 
Project Mo. T-10 
12 .Tnnft 1 ft ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
Fort Knox, Kentucky 
Project No0 T-10 
simea 727 o3 
12 June 1945 
lo PROJECT; No, T-10 - The Design and Fit of Army Shoes, 
a. Authority; Oral request C/G ARTC* 10 October 19A4. 
b0 Purpose; (1) To appraise the accuracy of shoe fitting in the 
Army; (2) to evaluate the criteria for proper fitting; and (3) to point out some 
considerations for immediate and future Improvement in the utility of Army shoes0 
2C DISCUSSION: 
ac An abstract of data obtained from The Office of The Surgeon General* 
Medical Statistics Elision, with regard to traumatic foot conditions in the Conti 
nental U, S0 in 1943# gives the following incidence of blisters of sufficient 
severity to require confinement to quarters or hospital: 
Approximate number of new cases admitted - 13,050 
Annual admission rate per 1000 strength - 2081 
Average number of days lost per case - 6 
Causative Agent: 
Ill-fitting shoes - 7375 
Socks - 70 
Drilling and Marching - 30^5 
Miscellaneous - 205 
Cause unreported - 2355 
b0 With reference to other "Selected Diseases of the Feet," including 
bromidrosis, callus, clavus, metatarsalgia, trichophytosis, pes planus, etca, the 
following data are available for enlisted men: 
Annual admission rate per 1000 strength - white - 5o610 
" " " " " " - negro - 80770 
Average number of days lost per case - white - 1? 
tt it n n n u ir - negro - 18 
Co However, for a complete picture of the foot disabilities, to which 
improperly fitted shoes contribute, it is necessary to add to the above all those 
cases treated at dispensaries on duty status, estimated by some to be as high as 
20% of all dispensary visits, and to add further, those cases with less severe 
complaints whose discomfort diminishes their effectiveness without being of 
sufficient severity to necessitate medical attention 
1 d0 The role which improperly fitted shoes play in the pathogenesis of 
trench foot has not been completely evaluated0 Nevertheless, it is common knowledge 
that tight footgear should never be worn in the cold. 
3o 1 CONCLUSIONS: 
*o A large proportion of the trainees examined at Fort Knox were fitted 
with shoes which were too small0 
bo Existing methods of shoe fitting are often unsatisfactoryo The 
design of Army shoes is partly responsible for this. 
Co Modification of the size system and of last proportions of shoes 
appear to be necessary to achieve proper fitting and substantial diminution in 
foot disabilities among soldiers0 Fundamental to this is a program of systematic 
anthropometry of the feet of soldiers. 
4. RECOMMENDATIONS: 
a. That a thorough study of foot disabilities resulting from misfitted 
shoes be undertaken* 
b>? That anthropometric measurements of soldiers® feet be secured to 
provide a basis for the design and fitting of Army shoes. 
Co That certain recommended changes in the structural characteristics 
of Army shoes be given consideration. 
Submitted by; 
Arthur Freedman, Captain, MC 
Charles M* Kirkpatrick, Tec 4 
APPROVED 
WILLARD MACHLE 1 
Colonel, MC 
Commanding 
7 Incls. 
#1 - Appendix I 
#2 - Appendix II 
#3 - Appendix III 
#U - Appendix 17 
#5 - Bibliography 
#6 - Figures 1-9 
#7 - Photos 1-10 
2 APPENDIX I 
DISCUSSION OF THE CRITERIA FOR CORRECT SHOE FITTING 
1* Army shoes may be said to be designed and fitted properly if under 
difficult field conditions, they are not responsible for diminishing the effect- 
iveness of troops* The harmful effects of incorrect fitting have nowhere been 
studied in a controlled manner, neither by orthopedists nor by chiropodists* 
It is the generally held opinion that blisters, corns, bunions, ingrown nails, 
and certain types of cold injury probably are caused at least in part, by shoes 
that are too small, while lesions such as callus, foot and leg pain, and macer- 
ation of the interdigital skin, of the athlete*s foot type, are more usually 
ascribed either to anatomic deformities or to fungus and bacterial invasion,, 
The literature, however, both currently and in the past, has often repudiated 
structural explanations for many supposedly anatomical types of foot disabilities, 
(4,7,10,11); and a recent Air Corps report ( 6) indicates that many cases of inter- 
digital maceration are cured by aeration alone* Observations on a limited- number 
of men at the Laboratory suggest that many foot complaints may be corrected by 
the issue of shoes of larger size, together with proper socks,. 
2© The standards of shoe fitting which the Army uses (AR 850-12$) are not 
expected to give optimal results for all individuals* The Army shoe is regarded 
as superior to most shoes; still, according to one competent estimate, it is per- 
haps appropriate for only about of men* Inasmuch as the shoe is not made to 
foot measurements, fitting practices have to be adapted to the shoe* These fit- 
ting practices undoubtedly represent the accumulated experience of the shoe trade, 
and may be more or less satisfactory for the less stringent requirements of civil- 
ians* They have been adopted by the Army since no systematic evaluation of fitting 
appropriate to the Army has ever been made* Moreover, they involve certain com- 
promises* One of these is the snug encasement of the forepart of the foot to 
avoid looseness at the throat for those individuals with low arches and ana 11 ankles© 
Another is the averaging of the dimensions of the two feet, in order to select an 
appropriate size of paired shoes. Consequently, even were shoes fitted properly 
according to AR 8$0-12$, there would still be foot disabilities because of ill- 
fitting shoes. 
3o When shoes are newly issued. Judgment of the propriety of fit rests on 
(1) the compatibility of equivalent foot and shoe measurements, (2) on palpation 
of the shoe by the fitter, (3) on the sensation of the wearer, and (4) if avail- 
able, on such objective criteria as the roentgenologic appearance of the foot 
inside the shoe. One description of an "average good fit" is that of a shoe 
which "fits up to the contour, but does not bind to the point of bone pressure, 
though it may show soft tissue compression," (7)o As a definition offered by 
a professor of Chiropody, this is not only an indication of the highly inexact 
criteria which are available for the selection of shoes, but evidence that what 
is regarded as good shoe fitting actually may be potentially harmful to the feet. 
4o Measurement: The foot measuring machines in use are not in actuality 
foot measuring machines* As they are at present calibrated, they give the user 
information only regarding the shoe size to be issued, which information may be 
Incl© fiL 
1 improper for Army use. When the side am of the machine, if used as directed, 
points to a certain width, it indicates the selection of a shoe which will hug 
the foot closely since the measuring devices are designed on the principle of 
snug fit. When in addition, the sizes of the two feet, if they differ, are 
averaged to arrive at the size to be issued, as called for by Amy regulations, 
the larger foot is fitted still more snugly0 Finally, the measuring machine 
gives information only with regard to three foot dimensions, and reliance is 
placed on proper proportioning of the last, to assure that other portions of the 
foot fit in the shoe as they shouldo Thus, measurement across the ball gives no 
information regarding the dimension around the waist, across the toes, or from 
heel to instep of the foot. 
5o Palpation: It is stipulated in AR 850-125 that the presence of excess 
leather across the ball is indication of a shoe which is too loose, while if the 
leather is too tight in that region, or if there is insufficient space beyond the 
great toe, the shoe is to be regarded as too small. These instructions are obvi- 
ously predicated on the desirability of the practice of close fitting. 
6. Sensation of the Wearer; 
a, A shoe feels tight if it sensibly cramps the foot. It feels loose if 
the foot can slide about inside the shoe. But in making these judgments about new 
shoes, the soldier is not aware that new leather can be made to conform to the 
shape of the foot closely enough to prevent slipping, only if its dimensions are 
sufficiently scant to necessitate the use of force to introduce the foot into the 
shoe. It is also not appreciated that the sensation of pressure, or tightness, 
when spread over the large skin area of a structure as resilient as a foot is 
only perceived as such if the force is of a fairly high order of magnitude. 
b0 A tight shoe is obviously one which cramps the toes and ball of the 
foot. A loose shoe is not necessarily one in which the toes are too free. On the 
contrary, a loose shoe is in fact, one in which the throat fails to fit closely 
about the ankle. The two judgments refer to quite different categories of ex- 
perience. In other words, a shoe whose forepart is abundantly large for the toes 
and ball of the foot, actually will not seem large to the wearer, if a means can 
be found to keep the ankle lacing snug, so that when walking, the sole of. the 
shoe moves as a unit with the sole of the foote 
7o Objective Criteria: 
ac Between the shoe which is sensibly too tight and the one which is 
sensibly too loose, there are perhaps two other degrees of fitting precision. 
For both of these the shoe is alleged to feel comfortable, and is worn initially 
with satisfaction. In the first instance, however, the soldier acquires blisters, 
corns, and foot pain; but for some reason the fit of the shoe is not incriminated 
by either the wearer or the medical officer. Not infrequently, a real or imagin- 
ary manufacturing defect will be blamed; and therapy does not usually include 
an increase in the size of the shoe0 
b0 In the second instance, the shoe also feels comfortable, and is worn 
under very difficult conditions with continued satisfaction. Objectively, however 
it can still be demonstrated by x-ray that the shoe distorts the foot© This 
Incl. #1 
2 phenomenon has been observed on several occasions at the Laboratory, where men 
have marched several hours daily, for several weeks, on a concrete track, carry- 
ing 20-lbo packs, in simulated jungle environments, while the feet and foot gear, 
as well as the rest of the body are continually soaked in perspirationo For 
these studies it has been the recent practice to issue the subject troops shoes 
which according to conventional standards would be regarded as oversize. Follow- 
ing this practice, most of the men have been able to continue marching without 
developing complaints referable to their feet; yet these shoes, which are initially 
regarded by the wearers as too large, may by x-ray be shown to be just the opposite,, 
Bo It appears from the above that the conventional standards of shoe fitting 
are not altogether satisfactory for soldiers0 More appropriate standards would 
seem to be those expressed in terms of shoe measurements which are larger than 
the foot dimensions for the forepart of the foot, and identical with them for the 
ankle regionQ A number of studies have been made to elucidate this principle, 
from which representative examples have been chosen for illustration,, 
a0 The x-ray of the nude right foot of subject Mar (Photo 1) indicates 
the contour and relationship of the bony structure and soft tissue. Photo 2 
illustrates the same foot encased in the service shoe (size 9D) which was issued 
to him at his company® This shoe, according to measurements on the Brannock 
device, was proper for the heel to toe length of both feet and a trifle small 
for the heel to ball length and the width of the left foot, but at least a size 
too small for these two dimensions of the right foot. By inspection alone, it 
may be noted that the lateral and medial metatarsals and phalanges are displaced 
toward the center of the foot, and the soft tissue is either compressed or dis- 
placed also® The subject was issued size at the Laboratory, and the rela- 
tionship of this shoe to his foot is shown in Photo 3© This size proved eminently 
satisfactory after felt padding was placed between the laces and the tongue to hold 
the shoe firmly to the ankle® Blisters and painful calluses, previously existent 
on the toes, became asymptomatic very promptly after these shoes were issued® Yet 
the roentgenogram in Photo 3 continues to show displacement of both bones and soft 
tissue, although to a lesser degree than in Photo 2, Photo 4 which is an x-ray 
of the same IO5EE shoe on the foot, but with the cushion-sole sock removed, illus- 
trates the fact that the sock is not responsible for the distortion of the bony 
structure or the soft tissue. 
b0 Supplementary to the x-ray studies, plaster models were made of the 
foot and of the shoe interior* of another subject (Dec)0 This soldier was active 
athletically, was on his feet continuously, and was wearing a service shoe issued 
to him by his company, which gave complete satisfaction. Photographs of these 
models. Photos 7, B, 9 and 10* and contour tracings from them (Fig, 1) illustrate 
the extent to which the shoe distorts the shape of the foot and vice versa. Ob- 
viously this can only happen if the foot presses against, and is pressed upon by, 
the shoe leather with considerable force0 
*The plaster model of the shoe interior was kept to the shape it possessed 
while containing the foot, by first encasing the exterior of the shoe, with the 
foot in it, in plaster® This rigid shoe was then used as the mold for the 
interior model® 
Incl® #1 
3 9o Finally it is appropriate to present the pressure measurements above • 
the sole on the interior of the combat boot which were made by Dr„ C, P„ Yaglou (12) 
at the request of Pressures of approximately 1 to 5 inches of mercury were 
obtained, the largest pressure being in the region lateral to the 5th metatarsal, 
where the x-rays indicate considerable foot distortion and compression,, 
a0 Another approach to shoe pressure measurement was attempted at the 
Laboratory on one subject. Strain gauges were cemented to the outside leather 
of four shoes sizes 9C, D, E and EE at the position of the head of the fifth 
metatarsal bone, and the increase in electrical resistance of the gauge wire 
measured for sitting and standing postures, and for walking,, Consistently the 
pressure exerted by the foot in the shoe, causing distortion of the leather, was 
higher in the narrower shoe, and was higher with walking and standing with weight 
bearing, than with sitting and standing without weight bearing,, It was not pos- 
sible, however, to quantitate these observations, because the marked inequality 
in the stiffness of the leather of each of the shoes caused the behavior of the 
gauge of one shoe to differ from that of the next. 
10o The feet of most men appear to possess great tolerance to misfitting; 
and fitting errors undoubtedly persist for this reason,, In simanary, several 
degrees of satisfactoriness in shoe fitting may be described: 
aG That which is sensibly too tight0 
bo That which is not sensed as being excessively tight, but which is 
productive of foot disability when worn0 
c0 That which does not produce foot disability when warn in temperate 
climates, but which may be demonstrated by x-rays to compress and distort the 
shape of the foot, and although not proved, may be contributory to foot injury 
in the colde 
d0 That which provides abundant space for, and no pressure on, the 
forepart of the foot, but which is sensibly loose because of insufficient snug' 
ness at the ankle to maintain the integrity of the foot and shoe as a unit in 
walking. 
e. That which provides abundant space for the forepart of the foot, 
and at the same time hugs the ankle and arch closely0 Such a shoe does not now 
exist for most men. 
4 
Inclo #1 APPENDIX II 
SURVEY OF THE ACCURACY OF ARMY SHOE FITTING 
lo Reports of improper shoe fitting in the Army are not new0 A survey made 
by Mr* E„ Jo Bliss (1, 2) during the last war* in which the shoe sizes of approxi- 
mately 42*000 men were checked at several camps* revealed that only were 
properly fitted* while 810 were too short* and the remainder* or 3ol%> were too 
long0 Still earlier. Major Munson (3) reported the experience of a colleague* who 
found in one series of measurements* 160 of shoes properly fitted* and the re- 
mainder improperly fitted—for the most part too small * 
20 The present study of the precision of shoe fitting has been made on one 
increment of more than 500 trainees* who had just arrived at Fort Knox from 
reception centers where they had been issued their first Army shoes less than 
three weeks previously. They were therefore men who had not yet received any 
Army training which could be expected to change the dimensions of their feet* 
3o The method of study was direct* The men’s feet were measured* without 
socks, while standing on a double Brannock Measuring Machine* Heel to toe length* 
heel to ball length* and width at the ball were secured for both feet to the near- 
est size mark* For the heel to toe length* the measurements for the two feet were 
averaged as stipulated in AR £50-125, and this average was compared with the size 
of the shoe the soldier was wearing* The same procedure was repeated for the heel 
to ball length* For determining the correctness of the width fit, the dimensions 
recorded from the Brannock device and from the size designation in the shoo were 
converted into millimeters, on the basis of the Brannock scale, so that comparison 
could be made0 An independent size scale was necessary because the letter desig- 
nations of width in shoes are not finite measures in themselves* but are functions 
of the length dimension0 
4o It is the customary practice to combine these three measurements into one 
expression to designate the appropriate shoe size* Since however* this procedure 
is purely an arbitrary one, and often misleading* the three foot measurements 
taken in this study were compared with the issue shoe size separately, in order to 
identify* if possible on which part of the foot the faults in fitting occurred* 
The results of these studies are tabulated and are also portrayed graphically in 
a series of figures0 Figures 2 and 3 present the overall distribution of the 
measurements for each of the three right foot dimensions: heel to to© length* 
heel to ball length, and width at the ball* 
5o In Table 1 is shown the distribution of fitting errors for heel to toe 
dimensions, by magnitude of size deviation from proper fit as indicated on the 
Brannock device* In this dimension* the prominent tendency is the issue of shoes 
one-half size too short, although more than 13% of the men were fitted with shoes 
at least a whole size too short* 
1 
Inclo #2 Table 1 
PRECISION OF SHOE FITTING 
(Heel to Toe Dimension) 
Deviations from 
Proper Size 
No* of Men 
Percent 
3 sizes too small 
1 
o2 
»• •' " 
0 
0 
2 « ti ii 
3 
o5 
« " " 
13 
202 
n u w 
88 
1502 
i " " " 
217 
37 o 5 
Properly Fitted 
183 
31.6 
J size too large 
66 
1104 
1 n ti ii 
5 
o9 
lj " " « 
2 
o3 
2 n it n 
1 
o2 
• 
579 
100o0 
6<> Table 2 gives the same information for heel to ball measurement <, Hero 
the discrepancy between foot and shoe measurements is much greater, the great 
majority of men having been issued shoes which were too short in this dimension, 
30% by two sizes or more0 Palpation of the shoe on the foot generally confirmed 
this observation, since in a great many instances the first metatarso-phalangeal 
joint was found to be appreciably forward of the "break” in the shoe0 The reason 
for the marked difference between the heel to toe fit and the heel to ball fit 
may have been that the toe was too far forward in the shoe. This in itself may 
not constitute a serious error, because space equivalent to two sizes is custom- 
arily allowed forward of the toe in shoe manufacture0 But this may create, in 
shoes of current design, a striking discrepancy in the heel to ball fitting. 
This, however, is not the entire explanation, since the ratio of arch to total 
foot length of many men is larger than the equivalent ratio for the shoe. 
Inclo #2 
2 Table 2 
PRECISION OF SHOE FITTING 
(He«l to Ball Length) 
Deviations from 
Proper Size 
No0 of Men 
Percent 
3i sizes too small 
4 
o7 
n n n 
15 
2,6 
2j " h n 
60 
10 o 4 
2 H n n 
105 
18ol 
lj it ii n 
155 
26,8 
1 M ii ti 
130 
22o5 
i " " " 
78 
13o5 
Properly Fitted 
29 
5ol 
J size too large 
2 
o3 
II I! It 
1 
o2 
579 
100o2 
7o The fitting of the ball of the foot too far forward in the shoe has two 
important effects0 It causes the ends of the toes to be placed in the tapered 
part of the shoe, where they may be displaced or compressed by insufficiency of 
upper leather circumference (Figo 4, Photo 2)e Perhaps more importantly, the 
broadest part of the foot is thus improperly placed forward of the widest part 
of the shoec The discrepancies in width fitting which are shown in Table 3 are 
therefore more serious than the data Immediately imply, since to the extent that 
the toes are placed in the tapered part of the shoe, they fail to obtain full 
advantage of its maximum breadtho 
The data in Tables 1, 2 and 3 are portrayed graphically in Figure 5» 
In summary, it appears that the sizes of shoes issued are in general considerably 
smaller than is stipulated by the fitting manual AR 850-125 even when the feet 
are measured without socks. Heel to ball and width dimensions are most often 
improperly fitted, the heel to toe dimension being fitted incorrectly less 
frequently and to a lesser degree. 
9o a* These evidences of misfitting by no means present the entire picture„ 
The foregoing observations have been based on comparison of the size designations 
in shoes with those on the measuring device, on the premise that both represent 
equivalent dimension systems0 This is far fron true* Measurement of 57 pairs of 
service shoes, reverse upper, reveals that the shoe dimensions are consistently 
smaller than the Brannock size system implies0 Inasmuch as the Brannock measure- 
ment is an approximation of the foot size, even were the "proper11 shoe sizes issued 
they would still be too small0 The extent to which the dimensions of the measured 
shoes were smaller than Brannock dimensions is shown in Table 4o It is noted that 
the larger shoe sizes consistently vary by the largest amounts fron the size 
indicated on the measuring device0 
Inclo #2 Table 3 
PRECISION OF SHOE FITTING 
(Width at Ball) 
Deviations from 
Proper Size (mm0) 
NOo of Wen 
Percent 
>12 
IDDlo 
too 
small 
6 
lo0 
12 
II 
n 
n 
4 
«7 
11 
ft 
ii 
ti 
5 
c9 
10 
II 
it 
tt 
5 
o9 
9 
n 
ii 
ii 
17 
2o9 
8 
it 
it 
n 
14 
2c4 
7 
ti 
n 
n 
20 
3o5 
6 
n 
n 
it 
50 
8,6 
5 
it 
ii 
it 
46 
7o9 
4 
n 
ii 
ti 
33 
5o7 
3 
it 
ii 
ii 
108 
18,6 
2 
it 
ii 
ti 
54 
9o3 
1 
n 
n 
n 
53 
9o2 
Properly Fitted 
56 
10.0 
1 
mm0 
too 
large 
23 
4o0 
2 
it 
II 
ii 
17 
2o9 
3 
ti 
II 
n 
26 
4o5 * 
4 
it 
It 
ti 
7 
1*>2 
5 
it 
II 
n 
17 
2,9 
6 
it 
TI 
n 
4 
o7 
7 
n 
II 
ii 
5 
o9 
8 
n 
II 
ti 
4 
o7 
>8 
n 
It 
n 
3 
©5 
579 
99o9 
b. These $7 pairs of shoes were manufactured by 22 different concernsc 
Inspection of the measurements reveals that the size discrepancies do not indicate 
errors in manufacture, but rather that they represent (1) defects in the plan of 
systematic shoe sizing, and (2) failure of the measuring device to correspond to 
the shoe sizing plan0 It was noted moreover, that in only 45 6r 77% of the pairs 
of shoes were the rights and lefts of approximately identical size0 In the other 
23>6 the rights differed from the lefts in either length or width by amounts of from 
3 to 7 maio 
10o a0 In the opinion of those who conducted the fitting study in 1916 (2), 
the reasons for fitting errors were: (1) lack of experience on the part of the 
fitters; (2) ignorance and vanity of the soldiers being fitted; (3) discrepancy 
between the shoe size designation and its actual dimensions; (4) incomplete stocks 
of sizes leading to substitutions; and (5) fitting on the basis of civilian 
conditions of useQ 
Inclo #2 
4 b0 At the present time it is believed that different reasons should be 
assigned,, Foremost are the failure of fitters to issue shoes according to the 
measuring device, and the failure of the measuring device to agree in size dimen- 
sions with the shoeso The former difficulty may be due in part to the haste with 
which fitting is Of importance also are the inappropriateness of the 
design and shape of the shoes for the feet of soldiers who spend much of their time 
standing or walking, and the inappropriateness of conventional civilian fitting 
standards for Army conditions of use0 These reasons are regarded as basic. It is 
believed that soldier resistance to proper fitting derives from failure to estab- 
lish more satisfactory fitting standards in the past„ 
Table 4 
EXTENT TC WHICH INTERIOR WIDTHS OF 57 UNUSED SHOES, SERVICE, REVERSE UPPER, SELECTED 
AT RANDOM, WERE SMALLER THAN EQUIVALENT DIMENSIONS OF BRANNOCK MEASURING DEVICE* 
(Differences are in Millimeters) 
B 
C 
D 
E 
EE 
EEE 
EEEE 
6 
“5 
-8 
6i 
0 
-5 
—8 
7 
-5 . 
-4 
7i.. 
-1 
-? 
8 
-6 
-9 
-11 
-17 
8i 
-8 
-7 
-11 
9 
0 
-3 
“7 
-11 
-15 
-18 
9i 
-1 
=11 
10 
-5 
-4 
-8 
—8 
-10 
-15 
-21 
ipi .... 
-3 
-5 
-10 
11 
-3 
’ -7 
-8 
-i? 
-16 
-19 
ni 
-6 
—8 
12 
-4 
-? 
-0.1 
12i 
-1 
-4 
-7 
-10 
13 
-2 
-3 
8 I 
-o 
o 
-12 
J2i 
-u ; -i2 
i 
*Width of shoe interior determined by measuring maximum exterior width approximately 
i, inch above sole, with calipers, and subtracting U mm0 for thickness of the leather. 
In measuring, the side walls of, the shoes were held in position parallel to each 
other and perpendicular to the sole0 
Inclo #2 
5 APPENDIX III 
REMEDIAL MEASURES APPLICABLE AT PRESENT 
10 Experience has accumulated at the Laboratory on approximately 3$ un- 
selected soldiers to indicate that in most instances men can wear the existing 
service shoes in hot or temperate environments, without developing blisters, callus, 
corns, ingrown nails, or painful feet, when the shoes are properly fitted® On the 
relatively infrequent occasions in which such lesions have developed, they have 
promptly healed without change in the subjects activity, when a still larger 
size shoe was issued0 
20 The fundamental requirements for successful shoe fitting which have evolved 
as a consequence of these studies are; 
a* Conscientious measurement of the foot by an interested individual 
who is encouraged to take sufficient time with each soldiera 
b0 Development of a measuring device which corresponds to Army shoe sizes0 
c0 Modification of the regulations for the use of measuring devices,, 
d0 Frequent checking of new shoes and of rebuilt shoes for accuracy of 
sizingo 
e0 An adequate supply of shoes in the size range neededo 
3o From the experience at the Laboratory it appears that size tariffs based on 
contemporary Army experience are unreliable inasmuch as the Army practice has been 
to issue shoes which are too short and too narrow0 Furthermore, for shoes of proper 
size to be available at all times, it is probable that shoes should be issued only 
at a central depot, and never at the company supply room® Only in this way would 
all sizes be available, and all shoes be issued under the supervision of a trained 
fittero 
4o Substitutions of size, when necessary, should always be in the direction 
of increased width® Issue of a shoe of shorter length than indicated on the measur- 
ing device should never be attempted, since in present shoe design, width decreases 
with length: e0g0 a 7D shoe is both shorter and narrower than a 7sD shoe® Space 
must always be allowed in front of the small toe, because of the sharp radius of 
curvature of the front of the shoes, and because the arch of the upper leather over 
the toes causes the interior space of the top of the shoe to be smaller than the 
sole dimensions indicate« This is illustrated in Photos 4, 5 and 6, which portray 
respectivly subject Mar*s foot without a sock in a shoe of size lOjEE, the same foot 
in the shoe with the toe leather cut away, and the same foot again resting on the 
sole of the shoe with the entire upper leather cut away0 It is apparent in Photo 6 
that the undistorted foot occupies the entire tread of the shoe, overlapping the 
space reserved for stitching® In Photo 4, where the upper leather is present, the 
phalanges and soft tissue are displaced® The proper size for this individual whose 
foot is by no means unique, would probably be 10EEE, or 10EEEE, the 10J having been 
selected so that more of the forepart of the foot might fit in the part of the shoe 
proximal to its tapered toe0 The x-ray is slightly misleading in one respectc 
IhCla #3 
1 Actually the tread of the foot, or that area of the sole which rests on the 
ground, does not occupy the entire sole surface of the shoe* This is illustrated 
in contour tracings of plaster models of the foot and shoe (Fig* 1) and in an over- 
lay tracing of the tread imprint and x-ray of another subject (Dec) (Fig* 4)* It 
is seen that the diameter of the sole which is in contact with the ground is 
actually about a half inch narrower than the shoe sole pattern appropriate for 
this foot as determined by measurement on the Brannock device* The reason for 
this is that the broadest diameter of the foot is not at the tread but approximately 
one-half to three-quarters of an inch above the ground surface. 
5o More successful fitting of current shoes would probably be achieved if 
emphasis were placed on the heel to ball length of the longer foot, when the ball 
and toe lengths are averaged, as the measurement of principal importance* With 
this average for the length, the width then appears to be best determined by add- 
ing one unit to the indicated dimension of the wider foot* This will give good 
results for most individuals, although .some with unusual foot shapes will prob- 
ably require trial and error fitting, and some will not be fitted at all* By 
this procedure all will be fitted large according to contemporary conceptions of 
fit, since the leather across the ball will be loose. The selection of the larger 
foot for fitting is important, since the difference in the dimensions of the two 
feet sometimes is appreciable, often amounting to an entire size in length and an 
eighth of an inch in width* Deviations of greater magnitude than this are not 
infrequently encountered* The distribution of the differences in the size of the 
two feet is shown in Figure 6. Contrary to general opinion, it appears that 
neither the right not the left foot is consistently larger than its mate* 
60 Modification of the existing fitting regulations implies: 
a0 Complete disregard of the soldier*s desires as to size* His civilian 
shoes were probably too small, and his demand for his conception of a proper fit 
will lead to the rejection of a more appropriate shoe which may seem loose because 
the incompletely resilient new leather does not initially hug the foot, or because 
the throat cannot at first be laced to the ankle and arch as desired* Stiffness of 
upper leather may improve the appearance of new civilian shoes; but it adversely in- 
fluences the fitting of Army shoes* It has been the experience at the Laboratory 
that soldiers are very difficult to convince concerning the requirement for shoes 
larger than they have been accustomed to wear* For a few individuals demonstration 
of the x-ray comparison of the nude foot and the shod foot have been helpful* It 
might prove advantageous to display photographic reproductions of such x-rays in 
fitting rooms and in training manuals* 
b* The realization that the feet to be fitted may be structurally normal, 
structurally abnormal, or functionally abnormal due to shoes improperly fitted in 
the past* This rarely is apparent to the fitter, since he does not see the soldier*s 
foot without socks on* And if he did, he would not be professionally competent to 
act on his observations* A trained chiropodist at the fitting station could save 
many dispensary visits later; but for his services to be effective, both time and 
space are needed at the reception center* 
7o Finally, with regard to the number of socks to be worn inside the shoe, 
the proper procedure to be adopted is difficult to ascertain* In cold weather, wear- 
ing an excessive number of socks inside shoes not fitted for them increases the 
Incl* #3 
2 sensation of cold and may be dangerous0 Possibly oversize shoes should be issued 
for winter wear* When shoes are fitted, the practice of wearing an extra pair of 
socks for that occasion only, offers little advantage* The measuring device is not 
sensitive enough to detect a change in the foot size with any but the heavier sock 
combinations, as shown in Table 5« And the soldier whose shoe is fitted over two 
pairs of socks complains that the shoe is too large, when one of the socks is re- 
moved 0 
Table 5 
COMPARISON BETWEEN THE SHOE SIZE REQUIRED FOR THE UNCOVERED FOOT 
AND FOR THE FOOT COVERED WITH VARIOUS SOCK COMBINATIONS* 
L 
EFT 
F 0 
0 T 
Heel to Toe 
Shoe Size 
Heel to Ball 
Shoe Size 
Width 
(mm0) 
Circumference 
at Ball (mm0) 
Nude Foot 
9 
10* 
94 
241 
Cotton Sock 
9 
10* 
94 
- 
Light Wool Sock 
9 
10* 
94 
243 
Cushion Sole Sock 
9i 
10* 
94 
245 
Cushion Sole Sock (2 pre) 
9*+ 
10* 
97 
Ski Sock 
9*$ 
10* 
98 
am 
* Measurements made on Brannock device 
80 By following a program such as the above, proper fitting for the forepart 
of the foot can be obtained The shoe so fitted may seem large to the wearer, how- 
ever, if the sole of the shoe fails in walking to move as a unit with the sole of 
the foot© As pointed out previously, this seems to be due to looseness in the 
dimension from the heel to the instep, the lacing of the shoe failing to secure 
a close fit around the ankle* This is a manifestation of a defect in last design, 
the heel to arch dimensions being excessive in proportion to the width and length* 
This difficulty will be experienced least frequently by soldiers with high arches, 
and most frequently by tho® in whom the slope of the superior metatarsal surface 
is shallow* Size compromises on this account in the past, are in all probability 
an important reason for the contemporary practice of misfitting with small shoes* 
9« There are three expedients conceivably available for making such shoes fit 
the ankle better* One is to place a piece of felt 2 x 5 x J between the lacing and 
the tongue of the shoe to provide additional thickness against which to tighten the 
laces* The second is the use of the so-called French Marching Strap, which is nothing 
more than a figure of eight strap around the ankle and instep (13)o And the third 
Incle #3 
3 is the universal adoption of the boot, combat, tropical, with flexible nylon uppers, 
with an increase in the space between the lacing stays, or some other method of 
closure, to allow greater universality of fit* The usefulness of the last proposal 
has not been tested*, (A modification of the marching strap should prove useful 
on shoe-pacs, the fit of which, even with extra socks, is not always snug enough 
for comfortable marching)c 
10, A segment of the experience of the Laboratory in fitting shoes is 
illustrated in Table 6C In every instance the measurements of the nude foot called 
for a larger shoe than the subject had been wearing; and in most cases, a still 
larger shoe than the measurement called for was issued*, In the four instances in 
which minor foot complaints developed, they subsided with no other treatment than 
the issue of a shoe of yet greater size*, 
Ho It has been frequently asserted that feet change in size with training0 
It cannot be ascertained at the present time that this is an important consider- 
ation in the fitting of shoes*, Full development of the foot usually has been 
achieved by the time even the youngest recruit becomes a soldier (14, 8), so that 
the only change that could occur would be due to (1) alteration in the amount of 
subcutaneous tissue, (2) altered spacing of the toes, or (3) flattening of the 
archeso With regard to the first, fleshy feet conceivably may become more slender 
as a consequence of loss of subcutaneous fat, but slender feet are not likely to en- 
large as a consequence of muscular development, since there is actually very little 
muscle tissue in the foot. Concerning the second, increased spacing of the toes 
would not alter the selection of the shoe size since the toe dimensions do not enter 
into the choice of the shoe, the broadest part of the foot usually being posterior 
to the toe region* Finally flattening of the arch can add very little to the 
measured length or breadth of the foot beyond.that which occurs with standing, 
which is the posture in which measurements are taken*, Depression of the astragalus 
and scaphoid does increase the circumference at the instep, or shank, but service 
shoes are not made to accommodate this deformity in any case (Appendix IV)0 The 
size of the foot tread increases in length with each step as compared with the 
standing size, but the foot tread is not taken into account when feet are raeasured0 
aQ Studies of the change in foot size of troops are shown in Figure 7 
wherein the results of remeasuring the feet of of the soldiers, whose feet were 
initially measured soon after induction, are presented*, The repeat measurements 
were made after 17 weeks of basic training at Fort Knox*, The changes for both 
the right foot and left foot are shown for each of the three measurements takens * 
heel to toe, heel to ball, and width at ball* It appears that many of the men 
show no change in foot size, that about a fourth show an increase in heel to toe 
length of J size, and that changes in heel to ball length and in width are equally 
divided between increases and decreases* Those in whom changes in width occurred di 
not change for the most part more than 3 mm* (l/S”) plus or minus* As mentioned, 
the significance of these size changes is not fully understoods but perhaps for the 
individuals who do manifest size changes of a substantial nature, it would be proper 
to refit all individuals at the time of completion of basic training, or earlier, 
if indicated* 
Inclo #3 
4 Table 6 
EXPERIENCE IN FITTING SHOES TO TROOPS 
MARCHING IN A HOT ENVIRONMENT 
Name 
(i) 
Service Shoe 
Size Customarily 
Worn 
(2) _ 
Shoe Size 
Determined By 
Brannock Device 
According to 
AR 850-125 (3) 
Shoe Size 
Issued at 
Laboratory (4) 
Subsequent 
Change in 
Shoe Size 
(5) 
Abe 
sJk 
10D 
10EE 
Atw 
9B 
10D 
10E 
Bud 
9C 
9iD 
9iD 
Buz 
11C 
njc 
nic 
12jE 
Del 
nc 
14C 
12E 
Ger 
9EE 
xojc 
10jD 
Har 
9fB 
10C 
10D 
Koz 
8£E 
10D 
10iE 
Mar 
9D 
10E 
io|d 
lO^EE 
Nor 
9iD 
HE 
HE 
Roh 
lim 
9E 
sJee 
Tho 
9JB 
IOC 
IOC 
10D 
Tol 
9iD 
lie 
HC 
Tul 
9D 
10iE 
HD 
10iD 
Zia 
9iB 
10D 
10D 
Column-Headings: 
(1) Subjects were representative Fort Knox Troops. 
(2) The size of shoe worn by the men when the troops reported to the 
Laboratory. 
(3) Size of shoe indicated by Brannock device as proper for bare feet. 
(4) Size of shoe issued to accommodate one pair of heavy cushion-sole 
sockso 
(5) Subsequent changes in shoe size which successfully permitted improve- 
ment of blisters and painful callus without interruption of marching 
scheduleo 
Incl0 #3 
5 b* Misfitting with shoes which are too email may actually influence the 
dimensions of menfs feet, although this, in itself, is no indication that casual- 
ties will be produced therebyc Of the group of men whose feet were remeasured, 
the breadth of the right foot before and after basic training has been compared* 
Those individuals who showed no change in dimensions, or an increase or de- 
crease only in this dimension were then separated into two groups—those whose 
shoes were properly fitted initially and those whose shoes were initially too 
narrow* The results of this comparison are shown in the following table: 
Table 7 
INFLUENCE OF INITIAL SHOE WIDTH ON CHANGE IN FOOT WIDTH 
OVER 17-WEEK BASIC TRAINING PERIOD 
Shoes Fitted* 
Shoes too* 
Prop 
erly 
Nar 
row 
NOo 
% 
No0 
% 
No change, or increase in 
70 
80„5 
52 
56„0 
foot width 
Decrease in foot width by 
17 
19o5 
41 
44 oO 
2 mnio or more 
37 
lOOoO 
93 
lOOoO 
cc Of those individuals whose shoes were fitted properly, only a small 
percentage experienced a decrease in foot breadth, while diminution in the width 
of the foot was noted in almost half of those fitted with too narrow shoes0 The 
differences are regarded as significant0 
d0 The effects of short marching periods on foot size were also studied© 
In Table 3 is shown the mean change in foot size of 14 men after a period of 6 
weeks * marching in a hot environment during one of the hot room experiments at 
the Laboratory,, Table 9 shows the mean variations in foot volume of 8 men, 
measured by overflow plethysmography, observed at scattered intervals during 
another hot room experiment* Finally Table 10 shows the volume change associated 
with cooling of the dependent foot for 7 subjects whose bodies were otherwise warm® 
In none of these observations is the pattern of size-change sufficiently impressive 
to justify any conclusions with regard to its effect on shoe fitting© 
* Shoes were regarded as fitted properly if the toe length was no more than J size 
too short* the width no more than 3 mat? too narrow, and the ball length no more 
than 1 full size too short* 
Shoes were said to be fitted too narrow if the width was more than 3 mm0 narrows 
than called for by measurements, or if the ball length was more than 1 size too 
shorto The latter criterion was introduced since a short ball length forces the 
foot forward into the tapered part of the shoe0 Table 8 
DIMENSIONS OF MEN«S FEET BEFORE AND AFTER A PROTRACTED WALKING EXPERIMENT 
IN A HOT ENVIRONMENT 
(Dimensions are expressed in millimeters, 
Mean of 14 men) 
Heel to Toe 
Length 
Heel to Ball 
Length 
Width at 
Ball 
Right Foot - Before 
276 
202 
102 
" " After 
276 
201+ 
101 
Left Foot - Before 
275 
202 
102 
" " - After 
275 
201 
100 
* The subjects wore shoes of adequate size0 Their bare feet were measured on 
the double Brannock machine while standing„ The hot room experiment obliged 
the men to walk miles daily, 6 days a week on a concrete track carrying a 
20-lbo pack, at temperatures approximately 93° DB, 91° WB, 93% RH. 
Incl0 B 
7 Table 9 
EFFECT ON LEFT FOOT VOLUME OF WALKING IN COOL AND IN HOT ENVIRONMENTS 
(Mean of S men)* 
— 
At Start of Experiment 
Left Foot 
Vol0 cca 
1155 
7th Day of Marching in Cool Environment: 
Before March 
1137 
After March 
1151 
1st Day of Marching in Hot Environment: 
Before March 
U60 
After March 
1169 
Uth Day of Marching in Hot Environment; 
Before March 
1148 
After March 
1177 
* The subjects wore shoes of adequate sizee Measurements were made while the 
subjects stood with the left foot bare in an overflow type of water plethysmograph 
Incl0 #3 
8 Table 10 
CHANGE IK FOOT VOLUME WITH COOLING* 
(Data are in cc0 of change) 
Subject 
Cooled 
Foot 
Uncooled Foot 
Control 
1 
$20 
440 
2 
410 
f20 
3 
•15 
425 
4 
-20 
420 
$ 
415 
420 
6 
•15 
415 
7 
0 
-10 
♦Procedure: Subject sat in comfortable environment, while one foot was 
immersed for 90 min0 or more in a cold air chamber, while the companion 
foot remained outside the chamber, but at approximately the same level of 
dependency® Measurements of volume were made before and after cooling 
with an overflow-type of water plethysmograph while the subject remained 
seated© 
mci, #3 
9 APPENDIX IV 
THE DESIGN CF A NEW ARMY SHOE 
lo The need for a change in the Army shoe last has been expressed by many, 
but there has yet to appear any more systematic information than was available 
for the design of the shoe and last in current use* It is a mistake to suppose 
that changing the last will correct the present errors in shoe fitting. These 
derive only in part from faulty shoe design; faulty methods of issuing them are 
undoubtedly of prominent importance® If the present system of distributing shoes 
is permitted to continue, no modification of the last can be expected to accomplish 
the desired improvement® It is well in this connection to recall Munson's experi- 
ence ( $)o On one occasion he tested three new shoe modifications on a march of 
117i miles, in which 379 men participated® Not one of the men failed to finish 
the march on account of foot trouble, although a few fell out for other reasons® 
Munson explained that this did not mean that all of the lasts were equally satis- 
factory, but rather that all of the shoes were properly fitted® There are, never- 
theless, certain refinements of the present shoe which would be desirable, both 
with regard to the last and with regard to the shoe structure proper® 
20 Changes in Last Design® Basically, for the shoe to fit properly, there 
is required only a broad enough sole for the foot to rest on, and straps to secure 
the sole to the ankle, as in the case of mukluks. It is believed that it is not 
necessary to wedge the forepart of the foot into the front of the shoe in order to 
secure a satisfactory fit® 
a® Circumference at the Throat® There is required a fundamental change 
in last proportions to obtain a shoe which fits securely at the ankle while afford 
ing abundant space for the metatarsals and phalanges in the forepart of the shoe® 
Advantage in this regard might be gained by the use of a more resilient type of 
upper material and a different type of closure at the throat® 
b0 Circumference across the Ball and Toe. The upper leather of the vamp 
and toe arches from one side of the sole to the other with the result that the in- 
terior shoe breadth a half inch above the sole, at approximately the point of the 
greatest thickness of the foot, is not as wide, or no wider than the dimension 
across the sole proper® Thus if space is available on the sole for only slightly 
more than the breadth of the tread, the dorsal thickness of the toes is not pro- 
vided for® The manufacture of shoes on the principle that the foot is a relatively 
amorphous mass, which can be accommodated if sufficient cubic volume is made 
available inside the shoe, is the basis of this difficulty® Evidence that this 
principle plays an important role in last manufacture is the fact that the 
present critical last measurements are the circumference of the ball, waist, and 
instep, the systematic grading of which on automatic lathes, actually determines 
the size of the shoe® The effects of this practice are seen in Figure 1® Here 
are shown full scale tracings of the contours of the toe segment, ball, waist, 
and instep of the plaster models of a foot and of the interior of its shoe, 
pictures of which appear in Photos 7, 8, 9* and 10® From these tracings and fro® 
the photographs it is apparent that circumference measurements by no means express 
the shape requirements of a properly fitted shoe® What is required is the con- 
Incl® #k 
1 stmction of a shoe whose sole is as broad as the thickest part of the foot 
over it, and whose upper leather is shaped to accommodate the dorsal as well 
as the ventral toe and ball diameters0 Only in this manner is it possible to 
prevent displacement of the toes such as shown in Photo 2„ 
Co Tapering of the Toe, with Excessive Curvature of the Tip, Combined 
with the arching of the leather over the toe, the present shoe shape has the effect 
of confining the toes. This effect can be minimized with present shoes, only by 
issuing an otherwise needlessly long shoe, in order to provide space for the small 
toes (Photo 3). 
do Indentation of the Medial Surface of the Shoes at the Instep or Shank, 
Marked shaping of the upper leather at the shank, to provide a close fit under the 
arch, appears to have no fundamental value0 The need for "support” of the foot at 
this point has never been demonstrated0 It is, on the other hand, a distinct 
hindrance to the fitting of individuals whose astragalus and scaphoid bones are 
depressed, who have, in other words, "flat feet” in an anatomical though not in 
a functional sense,, Reasoning from the pain produced by the ill-advised pre- 
scription of arch supports to these individuals, it is not unlikely that the 
shaping of this segment of the shoe may be similarly productive of pain„ Indeed 
the error is not infrequently made of prescribing arch supports to go into shoes 
which were too small before their introduction,. 
®° Proportion between Heel to Ball and Ball to Toe Length0 Figure 8 
indicates the distribution of these foot dimensions0 It is apparent that the 
ratio between them is by no means constant, but on the contrary is spread over a 
wide range,, Surprisingly, the coefficient of correlation between the heel to 
ball length and the ball to toe length for 579 men is -044, indicating primarily, 
negative relationship. To accommodate individuals whose toes are disproportionately 
long in relation to their other foot dimensions, present shoes have a long toe 
segmento This imposes on some men a disadvantage in walking, since the long toe 
segment of the shoe sole acts as a lever, dorsiflexing the toes to a greater degree 
than is necessary, with each step. 
fe Width. Present lasts provide a shoe whose broadest diameter is at the 
ball. It is not necessary to measure many feet to observe that in a large number 
of individuals, the broadest diameter of the foot is forward of this point0 
go Heel Breadth, Last design being predicated on the systematic increase 
of every dimension with every other one, causes the diameter of the heel to become 
larger with augmention of the circumference at the ball© A limited number of ob- 
servations on raen*s feet suggests that this practice does not correspond to the 
proportions of the human foot. Figure 9 indicates that the heel-breadth dimension 
does not vary greatly, regardless of the variation in the breadth at the ball© It 
is probable that this is of little importance, except in principle, since the heel 
breadth of the shoe need not conform to that of the foot, provided that it is larger0 
35 Anthropometry of Soldiers8 Feet. These considerations strongly indicate 
the need for a series of accurate soldiers* foot measurements before new lasts are 
designed© Methods for performing such a task accurately and expeditiously seem 
2 
Incl© #U not to have been developed heretofore and no such measurements have ever been 
made0 However, they are under development at the Laboratory at the present time* 
The present last dimensions were established by a committee of shoe men in 1886, 
who accomplished their task in a series of conferences0 These same last dimen- 
sions are still in use, having been altered only in minor respects, and in a purely 
arbitrary manner. Table 11 indicates the dimension increases which have been made 
in the Munson last over the civilian size standard as outlined in the booklet of 
size standards published by the Vulcan Corporation ( 9 )o 
Table 11 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MUNSON AND CIVILIAN LAST DIMENSIONS 
Girth at Ball - Plus 1/8” 
" " Waist - " 2/8” (A width f 3/8") 
” " Instep - " 2/8" 
4a Current Last Dimensions0 
ac Table 12 shows the heel to toe, heel to ball, and width at ball 
dimensions of part of the size range, as they appear when converted into millimeters 
from the Brannock measuring device0 As pointed out in Appendix II, this is not a 
true representation of the Army size scale, but the table serves to illustrate the 
fact that the size differences are quite systematic. Where this does not appear to 
be so, it is because the conversion of inches and portions thereof to the nearest 
millimeter causes some distortion of the pattern. The explanation offered by shoe 
men for this system is that the provision of so many sizes and part sizes which re- 
sult from making the width change with length, makes available a shoe size for 
every wearer. In fact, somewhere in Army Depots may be found shoes from size 3 
to 15, and from width AAA to EEEEEE. If all sizes and half sizes were available 
in all widths, there would exist 284 sizes from which to choose0 The fallacy, 
of course, is that feet do not follow such a systematic pattern of size increasec 
Whatever success is achieved from present fitting practices must derive in great 
part from the apparentlygreat tolerance of feet for shoes of improper size7 
b0 It seems not unlikely because of this tolerance for shoes of 
inaccurate fit that when a large number of foot measurements become available, 
for proper proportioning of shoes, more satisfactory fitting may be achieved with 
a greatly reduced inventory of sizes0 Essential to this, however, is a modification 
of the code for indicating the sizes of shoesc 
Inclo #4 
3 Table 12 
DIMENSION OF SHOE SIZES ADAPTED FROM A SEGMENT OF THE BRANNOCK DEVICE 
(Sizes are in Millimeters) 
W I 
D 
T H 
mra0 
Size 
Toe mao 
Arch mnu 
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
EE 
7 
251 
180 
77 
82 
86 
91 
95 
100 
7i 
255 
133 
79 
33 
88 
92 
97 
102 
8 
260 
135 
80 
35 
89 
94 
98 
103 
Si 
264 
188 
82 
86 
91 
95 
100 
105 
9 
269 
191 
33 
88 
92 
97 
102 
107 
9j 
273 
194 
35 
89 
94 
93 
103 
108 
10 
278 
196 
86 
91 
95 
100 
105 
no 
ioi 
282 
199 
88 
92 
97 
102 
107 
U2 
11 
286 
202 
89 
94 
93 
103 
108 
U3 
5© Change in Size Nomenclature,, An urgent need is a revision of the system 
by which sizes are designated* A soldier*s resistance to proper fitting often 
rests upon his desire to obtain a size 7C if his civilian shoe size was 7C, regard- 
less of the fact that the dimensions of the Army shoe may be entirely different 
from those of the civilian,, It would appear to be far more satisfactory from many 
points of view, as indicated below, if the length, breadth, and other dimensions 
of the foot to be fitted were indicated in the shoe in metric units0 Thus a shoe 
to fit a foot 30 cm0 long and 9 cm0 wide would be designated as 30-9o 
60 Alteration in shoe lasts would provide an opportunity for making other 
revisions in shoe structure which, it is believed, WDuld contribute materially 
to their general usefulness^ 
a* Rocker Action. Current shoes are made to rest almost flat on the 
ground when new0 After being worn they invariably turn up at the toe to a greater 
or less degree (Photo 7)« Since this apparently has little effect on the satis- 
faction with which the shoe is used, no harm should result from the adoption of 
such a shape as standard„ The advantage gained would be the shortening of the 
upper dimension, longitudinally, from toe to vamp, with less likelihood of the 
vamp leather creasing, a not infrequent cause of abrasion on .the tops of the toes0 
Inclo #4 
4 b0 Dissipation of Sweat in the Toe Region. It has been demonstrated by 
the Army Air Forces Board (6) that maceration and interdigital infection of the 
toes may be cured by wearing sandals0 The most obvious explanation is that the 
toes are permitted to spread* so that air may circulate between them* dissipating 
moisture instead of permitting it to accumulate0 It would seem possible to develop 
a fabric for the toe box of the shoe which would be water repellent but vapor 
permeable, and which* in a shoe with sufficient toe space* might very likely lower 
the incidence of athlete»s foot0 
Co Insulation of the Sole0 In the manufacture of Army shoes there is 
space between the inner and outer sole which is occupied by the filler0 It is 
suggested that this space might be increased in thickness* and that it be 
filled with material of higher insulation value than the material which is used 
at present,, A modification of this nature would be advantageous for both hot 
and cold environment s0 
Inclo #U 
5 BIBLIOGRAPHY 
(1) Army Foot Measuring and Shoe Fitting System; War Department Noc 879, 
Office of the Adjutant General, October 1918, 
(2) Ac Lo Dahl - Shoes for Soldiers - "Scientific American," 118, 544, 1918. 
« 
(3) E, Lo Munson, Major MC - pie Soldierfs Foot and the Military Shoe - 
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1912, p 7^1 
(4) Idem, p 128o 
(5) Reference 3, P 5<» 
(6) Sandals for the Reduction of the Incidence and Effects of Foot 
Infectionso Army Air Forces Board, AAF PGC, 26 Oct0, 1944o 
(7) Fo Jo Carleton - Shoes and Feet - Press of Ce N0 Andress, West Chester, 
Pa,, 1940o 
(8) Diagnostic Roentgenology - Thos„ Nelson and Son, New York 1941o 
(9) Standard Measurements of Lasts and Sole Patterns, Dayton Last Works, 
Dayton, Ohio, 19240 
(10) R, P, Schwartz, H, Lo Heath, W0 Misiek - The Influence of the Shoe on 
Gait - "Jour, Nat, Assoc, Chiropodists" - Vol, 26 #4, P 9 - Apr, 193^0 
(11) Wo S0 Greer - Some Foot Faults Related to Form and Function - "British 
Journal of Industrial Medicine," 1, 54, 19440 
(12) Co P, Yaglou - Pressure exerted by combat boots - Personal communication, 
(13) Reference 3, P 128, 
(14) He Vo Meredith - Human Foot Length from Qnbryo to Adult - "Human 
Biology," 16, 207, 19440 
- Vol, 26 #4, P 9 - Apr, 193^0 
Incl, #5 d- d'" BREADTH OF FOOT IMPRINT 
b-b1-breadth of shoe sole 
INSTEP 
WAIS 
FIG. I 
contour tracings of plaster models 
of unshod foot and of 
INTERIOR OF ITS SHOE 
BALL 
FOE 
FOOT OUTLINE 
SHOE OUTLINE 
Incl. #c 
FIG. 1 FREQUENCY 
HEEL TO TOE 
LENGTH 
FIG. 2 
DISTRIBUTION OF DIMENSIONS OF MEN'S FEET 
(RIGHT FOOT) 
579 MEN 
MILLIMETERS 
HEEL TO BALL 
LENGTH 
WIDTH AT BALL 
Tr.c} . Uk 
FIG. 2 DISTRIBUTION OF DIMENSIONS OF MENS FEET 
(579 SUBJECTS - RIGHT FOOT ONLY) 
CUMULATIVE FREQUENCY (PERCENT) 
FIG. 3 
Incl. #6 
FIG. 3 TRACING FROM 
FOOT PRINT 
/OUTLINE OF SOLE PATTERN 
FIG. 4 
CONTOUR OF FOOT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF SHOE 
OUTLINE OF 
r TREAD OF 
UNSHOD FOOT 
TRACING FROM X R AY 
PHOTOGRAPH 
OUTLINE OF SHOE UPPER 
OUTLINE OF SOFT 
TISSUE OF UN SHOD 
/ FOOT 
OUTLINE OF FOOT 
j IN SHOE 
Incl. #6 
FIG. 4 FIG. 5 
DEVIATION OF ISSUED SHOE SIZES FROM MEASUREMENTS OF 
3 FOOT DIMENSIONS. 
MEASUREMENTS OF 579 MEN MADE WITH BRANNOCK 
DEVICE ON NUDE FEET 
NUMBER 
OF MEN 
TOE LENGTH 
BALL LENGTH 
DEVIATION BY SIZE 
DEVIATION BY SIZE 
EACH 2 SIZE = APPROX. 4 mm 
NUMBER 
OF MEN 
WIDTH 
SHOE SMALLER THAN 
MEASUREMENT 
SHOE LARGER THAN 
MEASUREMENT 
DEVIATION IN MILLIMETERS 
Incl. #6 
EACH SIZE UNIT = “ = 4 + mm 
I 6 
Fig. 5 NUMBER OF MEN 
EACH UNIT = - SIZE 
HEEL-TOE LENGTH 
FIG. 6 
MAGNITUDE OF DIFFERENCE IN SIZE BETWEEN 
RIGHT AND LEFT FEET 
MEASURED NUDE WITH BRANNOCK DEVICE 
(6C9 MEN) 
EACH UNIT = j SIZE 
HEEL-BALL LENGTH 
MILLIMETERS 
WIDTH 
Cncl. #6 
FIG. 6 MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE IN FOOT SIZE DURING 17 WEEKS BASIC 
TRAINING AT A.RT.C. FALL AND WINTER SEASONS 
(BRANNOCK DEVICE) 
389 MEN 
RIGHT FOOT 
LEFT FOOT 
HEEL TO TOE LENGTH 
HEEL TO BALL LENGTH 
2 
lx) 
lx 
O 
d 
DECREASE SIZE INCREASE 
DECREASE SIZE INCREASE 
WIDTH 
z 
LU 
lx 
O 
d 
z 
DECREASE 
DECREASE 
MM 
INCREASE 
MM 
INCREASE 
Incl. //'6 
FIG 7 NO. OF MEN 
RATIO OF LENGTH FROM HEEL TO BALL 
TO LENGTH FROM HEEL TO TOE 
RATIOS FOR RIGHT FOOT 
(592 MEN) 
FIG. 8 
RATIO OF FOOT LENGTH FROM HEEL TO BALL TO 
THAT FROM HEEL TO TOE 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LENGTH 
RATIOS FOR RIGHT AND 
LEFT FOOT WITHOUT 
REGARD TO SIGN 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 
LENGTH RATIOS 
Incl. #6 
FIG. 8 FiG. 9 
RELATION OF HEEL WIDTH TO 
BALL WIDTH OF 13 MEN 
T ' ' 
FIG.9 X-ray of hlght cf Subject Mar 
Ba.~efoot 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
Project No. T-10 
Photo fJj. 1 X-ray of Rirht Foot cf Subject 1'ar 
Sr irinf S.ze ?D 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY 
W. 7-1 
?h~tr N >, 2 X-ray rf R;;,kU ;-.ot nf Vir 
'H-? triM1* S.’ioe ?'zc 104 r,R with Sock 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
N:. T-10 
Phot: Xa. 3 5.-: iy f Ri vi*. root i f Subject Mar 
'.V'-i-lnr Z\ue Size FF wltnout Seek 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
Nc. T-10 
Nt. u X-r*y of H;;-if r •♦ f c*-t.-•* * var 
rfear'n£ Sv.oe £lz 1IE wit.1. Toe 1-x J-.t A .av 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
No. T-1C 
rhot,u Vc. 5 X-ray of ftipht Poet of Scbloct War 
.tear'n/ Shoe Size 10* '-,E w'th Entire U; rer Zv t Away 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
Prolan Nc. T-IO 
Ph . 6 Prolort No. T-10 
Subject Dec 
Plaster Voiel In-Heating Natural Contour of Resting Foot - Lateral View 
Scale - 1/iw" 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
Photo No. 7| Project lio. T-1C 
S jb.iect Dec 
Plaster Model of Interior of Allegedly Comfortable Shoe - Lateral View 
Mote tf-vard r.r-atir<» ■*'f T e Se^ent. Scale - 1/10* 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
?hote !Jc» 3 | Subject Lee 
Plaster Volel of Foot - Viewed from Above 
Scnle - I/IV* 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
Project ’to. T-10 
Photo No. 9 Master Moiel of Interior of C>r.farl-ible Shoe - View-3 from Above 
';, V .nco.-r.ra*..oil:tv cf Foot and Gha- Contovr. Scale - 1/0 Or 
ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
FORT KNOX, KY. 
~ , 
Prefect. lie. T-10 
Photo Wc. 10