Insoles are a supplementary component of footwear that is often overlooked. In fact, insoles play an important role in maintaining foot health, which affects the condition of the knees, hips, and lower back. Unfortunately, locally produced shoes with insoles that meet high standards of comfort and health remain limited. When available, the products are generally sold at high prices due to the use of imported materials and technologies.
Regarding this challenge, UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM) has partnered with the Indonesian Footwear Industry Development Center (BPIPI) to distribute locally produced health-supporting shoe insoles. The collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held in the Jepara Room on the second floor of the Smart and Green Learning Center (SGLC), FT UGM, on Tuesday (Jun. 10).
The agreement was signed by the Dean of FT UGM, Professor Selo, and Head of BPIPI, Syukur Idayati. Succeeded by a discussion session attended by FT UGM leaders, researchers, BPIPI representatives, and doctoral students involved in insole development research.
Prior to this collaboration, the FT UGM research team had been developing health-focused insoles using 3D printing technology and Thermoplastic Polyurethane. Unlike conventional insoles, the product aims to personalize and adapt to the shape of the user’s foot, providing more optimal support for both comfort and health.
“We are building our own ecosystem and technology. We will develop our own 3D printers and our own podoscopes,” said Professor Herianto, Manager of Research Services and Downstreaming at FT UGM, in a statement received on Thursday (Jun. 18).
According to Professor Herianto, the technology development focuses not merely on the final product but on establishing an integrated support system. The research team aims to create a database of Indonesian foot shapes to produce insoles and shoes tailored to users’ specific needs.
“God willing, we will have a database so that when people buy shoes, the shape will fit them properly and help address their health issues,” he added.
To ensure product safety and effectiveness, the research team is currently reviewing technical standards and research findings on the design and performance of health insoles. Intended to ensure the resulting products are not only comfortable but also meet the necessary scientific and ergonomic requirements.
Professor Herianto explained that the main goal of the development is to provide locally made health footwear at a more affordable price. Currently, health shoes tend to be expensive due to specialized materials that must still be imported.
“We are working toward creating local shoes that can be branded with our insoles and marketed to specific groups, particularly those with health-related needs,” he said.
As part of the initial implementation phase, FT UGM plans to provide shoes and insoles to approximately 50 employees whose work involves extensive walking. The team will soon conduct trials on 300 pairs of shoes, which will be evaluated over three to four months before being introduced to the market.
“Before commercialization, I plan to test the shoes myself along with several of our staff members,” said Professor Herianto.
Interestingly, the technology enables the insole manufacturing process to be completed in a relatively short time. By scanning a user’s foot shape using a specialized device, personalized insoles can be produced within just a few hours. The concept even opens opportunities for the development of technology-based health tourism.
“People can come in the morning, have their feet scanned, spend the day sightseeing, and pick up their insoles in the afternoon,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Head of BPIPI, Syukur Idayati, welcomed the collaboration. One of the greatest challenges in developing Indonesia’s footwear industry is the lack of ergonomic standards specifically designed for Indonesian.
The rapid growth of the local footwear industry is another reason for optimism regarding this technology. Today, various local shoe brands continue to emerge with appealing designs and competitive prices. The presence of domestically developed health insole technology is expected to add value while strengthening the competitiveness of local products.
“Local footwear is growing rapidly, offering competitive prices and excellent designs. That is why we remain optimistic,” said Professor Herianto.
Through the spirit of “Indonesia Melangkah” the collaboration between FT UGM and BPIPI is expected to deliver reliable, affordable, and fully Indonesian-developed health insole technology. Beyond promoting national technological independence, this innovation is also expected to expand public access to quality health footwear without relying on imported products.
Reporters: Radaevaerrisyasyam / FT UGM Public Relations
Author: Salwa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Misterminit and FT UGM Documentation