AbstractFootwear plays a vital role in protecting the feet, ensuring comfort and maintaining mobility. College students, who spend extended periods walking and standing, often prioritize style, peer influence and affordability over foot health, which can lead to discomfort and long-term issues. This study investigated footwear preferences, satisfaction and foot health among 38 college students in Hyderabad, Telangana. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, foot type images and anthropometric measurements, including the instep coefficient. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and correlation analyses were used to interpret the results. Findings revealed that casual footwear was the most preferred, with students generally maintaining multiple pairs and spending moderately on purchases. Most respondents had healthy feet with neutral arches, although low instep was the most common foot characteristic. Foot type significantly influenced the occurrence of foot problems and surfaces like tile and gravel were associated with higher discomfort and slips. Satisfaction was generally high, with comfort and fit prioritized over style. The study highlights the importance of aligning footwear design with foot morphology and user preferences to enhance comfort, prevent injuries and improve overall foot health.
Siresha et al. (Wed,) studied this question.