IAMBIC MODEL T AI-tailored, made-to-fit shoe
Research shows that 60 to 70% of people wear shoes that do not fit properly (Buldt & Menz, 2018). This statistic isn't surprising, given that the footwear industry has historically relied on standardized sizing to serve billions of unique feet. Yet even when two people share identical measurements, they could need completely different shoes. These facts underscore the complexity of shoe fit design, which has left generations settling for poor fit and pain. AI-driven solutions, such as IAMBIC’s custom-fit MODEL T shoe, may offer a data-driven approach to this challenge.
The Problem with Standard Shoes
"Most people have fairly unique foot shapes," explains Dr. Hylton Menz, one of the world's leading podiatry researchers. "Yet, the majority of shoes in stores are designed around a hypothetical average foot.” Drawing from over three decades of research, Menz notes that this disconnect can lead to a cascade of issues—from immediate pain to long-term problems like bunions, hammer toes, and compromised knee and back health.
Advanced Technology for AI-Tailored Shoes
IAMBIC's approach combines advanced technology with detailed fit analysis for their custom-fit MODEL T shoe, named a TIME Best Invention. The bespoke fitting process begins with a smartphone-based foot scan where users capture three images of each foot. This analysis generates over 20 distinct measurements to create a detailed digital profile of each foot's unique characteristics. Traditional sizing systems—even with extended sizing options and wide or narrow widths—still rely on standard length and width measurements, failing to capture the true complexity of foot shape.
Precision-Fit Beyond Foot Shape
Even when two people share identical measurements, their optimal footwear needs can differ significantly. The MODEL T's customization process acknowledges this complexity by considering more than just physical dimensions. Beyond the smartphone-based foot scan, users share their comfort preferences and lifestyle details. This data—whether someone prefers a snug or loose fit, more or less cushioning—are crucial because comfort is highly subjective and even millimeter differences can significantly impact fit satisfaction.
Foot Health
This customization system aims to create shoes with optimal fit and comfort for each individual. “IAMBIC’s technology is a genuine game-changer,” says Menz, explaining how the system “can actually look at the individual, work out the shape of their foot, work out what sort of footwear they need.” The potential impact extends beyond individual comfort, as Menz notes: "This has a huge impact on foot health at the population level."
The Verdict
The MODEL T demonstrates how AI-driven analysis can advance footwear customization, addressing longstanding fit challenges that affect both comfort and foot health. Combining precise measurements with comfort preferences creates new possibilities in footwear fitting—transcends traditional sizing and widths to enable comprehensive fit personalization.
More information on custom-fit footwear is available at www.iambic.co.
Media Contact
Company Name: IAMBIC
Contact Person: Maeve Wang
Email: Send Email
Phone: (631) 971-8642
Country: United States
Website: http://www.iambic.co
