This study aimed to investigate the effect of insole slope on bone joint stress, foot bone stress, and foot pressure distribution by means of finite element (FE) methods. A three-dimensional (3D) FE model was reconstructed from computed tomography data using image processing and computer aided design software. A model of an insole placed under the foot skin in 3D FE model geometry was based on a Smile Feet insole. Four conditions for the analysis included one barefoot biomechanical analysis and three biomechanical analyses with 0-, 5-, and 10-degree insole slopes. In the barefoot analysis, high foot pressure was concentrated on the forefoot and heel regions. The insole redistributed the foot pressure to the mid-foot region and reduced stress at the intervertebral discs of L4-L5 and L5-S1, and at the hip joint. The slope of the in-sole resulted in changes in the stress exhibited in various joints and bones. Higher insole slopes tended to increase the stress, especially at the ankle joint and foot bones.
