Understanding the Link Among Footwear Suitability, Foot Biomechanics, and Body Image in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background Although footwear can influence both foot development and body image during adolescence, the relationships among footwear suitability, foot biomechanics, and body image have not been sufficiently examined. Objective This study investigates the associations among footwear suitability, footwear habits, foot biomechanics, and body image in adolescents, a population in a critical period for developing foot structure and body image. Study Design This is a cross-sectional observational design. Methods The study included 77 healthy adolescents aged 10–18. Footwear suitability was assessed with the Footwear Assessment Scale (FAS) and footwear habits via survey. Foot biomechanics were evaluated using the Staheli Index (SI) calculated via ink footprint method, Foot Posture Index, and hallux valgus angle. Body image was evaluated using the Body Image Scale. Results The average FAS score was high, at 80% of the maximum score, and comfort was the most common selection criterion (63.6%). Spearman correlations indicated a moderate negative relationship between FAS and Foot Posture Index ( r right = −0.306, p = 0.007; r left = −0.359, p = 0.001), while no significant correlations were found with Staheli Index, hallux valgus angles ( p > 0.05). No significant relationship was found between daily footwear usage time and foot biomechanical parameters. There was no significant association between FAS and Body Image Scale (r = −0.139, p = 0.227), suggesting that footwear choices may be independent of body image. Conclusions Foot biomechanics showed limited association with footwear suitability scores, and no relationship was found between body image and footwear suitability. Clinical Relevance Identifying footwear-related biomechanical risks in adolescents may inform preventive strategies in clinical practice to support foot health.