The present study analyzed data from the 3D measurement of the feet of men aged over 20 years residing in the capital region as part of the 6th Anthropometry of Size Korea. To analyze the characteristics of the foot shapes of young men aged 20~39 years and middle-aged/elderly men aged 40~69 years by age and by type, a cluster analysis was conducted using the factors derived through the factor analysis as independent variables. The results of the study that analyzed the characteristics of foot shapes by type according to differences in age were as follows. First, through the analysis of the characteristics of the foot shapes of young men by type, five factors were extracted, and the foot shapes were classified into three types: Type 1 (short and flat), Type 2 (thick), and Type 3 (long and wide). Second, through the analysis of the characteristics of the foot shapes of middle-aged/elderly men by type, six factors were extracted, and the foot shapes were classified into four types: Type 1 (short and regular), Type 2 (flat), Type 3 (thick), and Type 4 (long and regular). The results of the present study are expected to serve as basic data for the design of shoes by age and foot type.

The purpose of this study is to provide foot classification on young men and women by factor analysis. The sample for this work was chosen from data which were collected and measured by Size Korea during two years (2003~2004). In order to analyze and compare features of the foot of young men and women, analysis was performed about 911 subjects (male: 467, female: 444) on 24 parts such as height (8 parts), width (5 parts), thickness (1 part), circumference (3 parts), length (3 parts) and angle (4 parts). The result of this study can be applied in manufacturing and design of shoes and socks. Also, it will enable us to have fruitful information on considerable items during manufacturing and design of shoes and socks.