Footwear testing - Moticon OpenGo and Stryd systems

We test footwear for ergonomics and comfort for people with hallux valgus

At HalluxFizjo, every shoe model that enters our offer undergoes thorough functional tests. We want the shoe to not only look good but, above all, to cooperate with the foot – especially for people with bunions (hallux valgus), for whom ill-fitting footwear can exacerbate symptoms.

Moticon OpenGo System – Measurement Insoles

Moticon OpenGo are professional, wireless sensory insoles that allow real-time measurement of pressure distribution under the foot. Each insole has as many as 16 pressure sensors and a 6-axis IMU system (accelerometer + gyroscope), thanks to which we can precisely see how the foot distributes load – from the heel, through the midfoot, to the toes.

For us, this is the most important tool in assessing whether a given shoe relieves the forefoot and does not overload the area of the big toe's metatarsophalangeal joint – that is, the place that most often hurts in people with hallux valgus.

Stryd System – Gait Dynamics Measurement

Stryd is a small sensor attached to the shoe that assesses walking and running biomechanics: power, cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, left/right balance, and stress score. We use it to check how footwear performs in motion – not just standing still, but also in typical, daily activity.

Proprietary Algorithms

Data from Moticon and Stryd are not an end in themselves for us – we process them using our own, custom-developed algorithms. We analyze, among other things:

• symmetry of load on the left and right foot,
• magnitude and duration of pressure peaks on the head of the first metatarsal (big toe area),
• gait stability and potential compensations,
• shoe tolerance over longer periods.

Only such a complete set of data allows us to decide whether a given model is recommended to clients with hallux valgus.

Our Testers

We conduct tests on real feet – not just "on paper". We have two permanent testers:

• Ms. Sylwia – with many years of experience as a user of medical and everyday footwear.
• Ms. Monika – whose feet show us how footwear performs in full, active daily life.

Each model is worn for several days in various conditions before we make a decision to introduce it to the store.

Why We Do This

We want the footwear purchased from us to truly meet the needs of a foot with a bunion – and not just fit cosmetically. Data from Moticon and Stryd, combined with the evaluation of experienced testers, gives us confidence that the shoes are comfortable, safe, and do not exacerbate deformities.

Follow our projects and tips on Instagram: @halluxfizjo