Studies on Compressive Loading-characteristics of PU Foam Materials Used in Footwear for Obese

Optimum-designed footwear with polyurethane (PU) material for comfort is an important requirement for obese. Investigations on compressive behavior of varied designed footwear using 120 D PU material have been carried out. The energy absorption primarily depends on heel height, slope angle and load applied or body mass index of obese. Statistical analysis has been used to formulate the prediction of absorbed energy wherein a heel height of 30 mm with 20-degree angle provides optimum value with the incorporation of 120 D PU material. A coefficientof- determination (R2) value of 0.9406 confirms the suitability of the statistical regression model. Hence, the optimally designed footwear for higher energy absorption with 120 D PU foam material is recommendable for obese.