21 Shoe Design Principles for People with Third Degree Deformity

A Third Degree Deformity is a condition where the foot has become fixed in the shape that it is and has to be left in that shape because to change it would be painful. Sometimes a small amount of correction is possible, but not full correction. Bill Bird identifies 4 general areas that cause Third Degree Deformities: • Congenital eg. Equino-Varus Talipies (Club Foot) • Accident: Road Traffic and Industrial Injuries eg. leg length discrepancies • Acquired or Wear and Tear Deformities eg. bunions or swollen joints • Systemic Disease: eg. rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes Third Degree Deformities produce a huge variety of foot shapes and bespoke orthopedic footwear is essential. Two Factors for Shoe Design • The shape of the last for the shoe fit • The prescription of the shoe