The Shoe Effect

Welcome to The Shoe Effect, a first-of-its-kind study!

We can't do this alone! With your support, we can make this dream a reality. Whether you can donate or simply share our GoFundMe campaign with your friends and family, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference and create something truly special. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

Given that our organization is based in Sweden, we would like to bring to your attention that all donations will be processed in the local currency, which is the Swedish Krona (SEK). To provide you with an estimate of the donation amount in your preferred currency, we have conducted a series of conversions using the Google Converter as of February 20, 2023. We hope that this information is helpful to you, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further assistance or clarification.

Where our passion came from:

If you have followed our work you know that foot function is our biggest passion and we work daily to educate and inspire you. To bring this message to the masses, we would be so grateful if you could help us fund the largest-ever study on the impact shoes have on our feet.

This study could impact the health of millions of people for decades to come. That is a powerful statement. In our industry, many of us still partly refer to the Hoffman study from 1905, over 100 years ago. We have the necessary knowledge and with modern equipment, believe we can improve and make it even more impactful.

After studying, teaching, and working with patients regarding foot health for over a decade, My Foot Function founder Joseph was inspired to go deeper after observing the healthy feet of the locals during a recent trip to Sri Lanka. Throughout his trip, the crazy idea of conducting the largest-ever study on the effect of shoes on feet was born. A week into his vacation, he called his co-founder Gourgen and shared his thoughts. Gourgen immediately got goosebumps over his entire body because he knew the level of impact the study could have on the future of foot health and the footwear industry.

Joseph and Gourgen then shared the idea with Melker & Rasmus, founders of Wyde Footwear, and needless to say, the excitement and enthusiasm were shared between the four. Wyde felt a strong urge to join the project.

Our Aim:

Depending on the funding goal, is to bring a film crew to make this into a documentary that will interest anyone, regardless of their current interest in foot health. They will document the study, and document real-time events as they unfold throughout the study. We will also be looking to publish this study for all to access.

Why?

The purpose of making this into a documentary is to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of foot health. By producing a documentary, the creators hope to share the stories of individuals who have struggled with foot-related issues, as well as showcase the latest research and advancements in foot health. The hope is that by making the information more accessible and engaging through a documentary format, they can reach a wider audience and encourage more people to take better care of their feet. Additionally, the documentary may be used as a resource for medical professionals and researchers in the field of foot health. Overall, the goal is to improve foot health awareness and education, which can have a positive impact on individuals' overall health and well-being.

The team consists of:

Joseph Stone - Co-founder & CEO of Myfootfunction

Gourgen Gevorgyan - Co-founder of Myfootfunction & Sports Scientist

Melker Svärd - Co-founder & CEO of Wyde Footwear

Rasmus Svärd - Co-founder of Wyde Footwear & Physiotherapist

A brief introduction to the study and its objectives:

Foot morphology refers to the study of the structure and shape of the human foot. It encompasses both the bones and the soft tissues that make up the foot. The human foot is a complex and dynamic structure, capable of adapting to different surfaces and accommodating various types of footwear.

Shoe-wearing has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on foot morphology. Wearing shoes can provide protection and support to the feet, reducing the risk of injury. However, wearing shoes can also alter the natural mechanics of the foot and lead to conditions such as flat feet, overpronation, and plantar fasciitis.

Shoes can also affect the development of the foot in growing children and adolescents. Some scientific studies suggest that wearing shoes that do not fit properly or do not allow for adequate foot movement can lead to foot problems and pain. The effects of shoe-wearing on foot morphology are complex and depend on a variety of factors, including the type and fit of the shoe, the individual's foot structure and biomechanics, and the amount of time spent wearing shoes.

The aim and objectives of the study:

To examine the relationship between foot morphology and different types of footwear, including shoes, sandals, and barefoot conditions

To investigate the effects of prolonged shoe-wearing on the development of foot problems, such as flat feet, over-pronation, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, hallux valgus, hammer toes, bunionettes, Morton’s neuroma and metatarsalgia.

To determine the optimal type of shoe for individuals with different foot structures and biomechanics to determine whether foot morphology has consequences in the capacity of subjects to sit comfortably in the deep squat.

To determine the relationship between foot morphology and single-leg stance/stability.

To develop recommendations for healthy foot care and shoe selection based on the findings of the study.

How will the money raised be spent?

Three different tiers are below.

TIER 1 - 250,000 SEK (25k USD/EUR)

TIER 2 - 500,000 SEK (50k USD/EUR)

TIER 3 - 1,000,000+ SEK (100k USD/EUR)

If you have came this far, thank you for taking the time to read & we hope you will help enable us on making this dream a reality!