# 3D-Printed Smart Insoles Researchers at ETH Zurich Created Smart Pressure-Sensing Insoles By Colin Smith | Published 2023-03-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-customized-insoles References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/pressure-mapping-3d-printed-insoles/) & [ethz.ch](https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2023/03/3d-printed-insoles-measure-sole-pressure-directly-in-the-shoe.html)  [ETH Zurich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gait-rehabilitation-system) researchers have developed [3D-printed customized insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esteps-health) that use integrated sensors to measure the pressure on the sole of the foot directly in the shoe during various activities. The insoles contain multiple [piezoelectric sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextgeneration-sports-flooring), located in areas where pressure typically occurs. The sensors measure normal and shear forces, converting mechanical pressure into electrical signals. The researchers have also built an interface into the sole for reading out the generated data. The new smart insoles take monitoring outside of the lab and help athletes or patients to determine performance and therapy progress. In elite sports, fractions of a second sometimes make the difference between victory and defeat. The insoles are worn inside an existing pair of shoes and are built for on-the-go pressure mapping. The new insoles bring a new level of precision to the measurement of foot pressure and could be used to improve athletic performance and help patients with foot problems Image Credit: ETH Zurich ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Customized 3d-printed Insoles:** Creating customized and 3D-printed insoles which can directly measure and track pressure data can revolutionize the footwear industry and change the way we view personalized therapy. - **Smart Footwear Technology:** Developing more advanced smart footwear technology can offer crucial information to athletes and patients, leading to more effective training practices and rehabilitation programs. - **Wearables in Healthcare:** Exploring the potential use of wearables, such as smart insoles, in healthcare settings can provide new avenues for data collection and analysis, leading to better monitoring and treatment of patients. ### Where This Applies - **Sports Equipment:** Integrating smart pressure-sensitive insoles into sports equipment and footwear can provide athletes with valuable data for performance optimization and injury prevention. - **Medical Devices:** Manufacturing pressure-sensitive insoles for healthcare settings and medical devices can provide patients with real-time data for personalized therapy and rehabilitation. - **3D Printing:** The 3D-printing industry can further advance customized and smart footwear technology by creating more accessible and affordable methods for manufacturing and distribution. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Personalized Footwear Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-personalization-studio.md) - [3D Printed Shoe Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customfit-3d-printed-shoes.md) - [Scan-to-Print Custom Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome.md) - [Customizable Shoe Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecodasher-insole.md) - [3D-Printed Winter Sport Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobsled-footwear.md) - [Performance-Tracking Skate Sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hockey-skate-sensors.md) - [Smart Posture Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esteps-health.md) - [Sensor-Equipped Running Track Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextgeneration-sports-flooring.md) - [Sensory Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mind-001-1.md)