Abstract
Lower limb-conserving treatment has developed, and it is now possible to preserve not only large sections of the leg, but also gait functions. On the other hand, as favorable gait functions can help to prevent ulcers developing, footwear plays an indispensable role in the prevention of recurrent ulceration and high-level amputation. However, the majority of currently available medical footwear is not fit for Japanese lifestyles or treatment policies as it is influenced by Western orthoses. Under these circumstances, advances in such footwear are necessary. To promote its development by learning from the past, this paper examines the history of medical footwear.
