Effect of Lightweight Carbon Fiber Safety Footwear on Occupational Foot-Related Morbidity: A Retrospective Pre‒Post-intervention Study in a Taiwanese Industrial Setting

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lightweight carbon fiber safety footwear in reducing occupational foot-related conditions. METHODS: A retrospective pre-post study was conducted among 3,529 users of safety footwear at a Taiwanese industrial facility. Diagnoses of tinea pedis, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis were compared between 2021 and 2023 using deidentified occupational health surveillance data. RESULTS: The total number of cases declined from 170 to 136 (20% reduction). Plantar fasciitis dropped from four to zero cases. Tendinitis and tinea pedis decreased by 23.6% and 11.7%, respectively. The overall disease incidence decreased from 4.82% to 3.86%. CONCLUSION: Lightweight carbon fiber footwear was associated with reduced foot morbidity while maintaining safety standards. Broader implementation and long-term evaluation are warranted.