Science and research play an ever increasing role in life, and in some things once thought far removed from the need for such things. One example is in the shoe industry, a product once fairly basic with merely the need to protect the foot, keep it warm and dry, and of course comfortable. All that it required it was once thought was the right length for the foot and standardisation of sizes meant there were fairly basic design needs.

However that changed probably under the pressure that sport and excellence of performance produced. There became a demand for footwear to help with speed while still provide support for the fragile, multi boned foot, and the complex ankle. It needed to be lightweight and flexible as well, yet strong. These were a mixture of characteristics that footwear needed and to satisfy all these characteristics, research into light yet strong component materials was needed.

The reaction of the foot to the pressure of running, in fact the measurement of everything relating to the foot became critical if consumer demand was to be satisfied.

Once the components needed in production were identified the shoe manufacturer needed to ensure that they created something with flexibility yet something that was light in weight. The foot does not change shape once someone reaches adulthood, and good design can ensure that same person knows his size and requirements. A specific design like rieker shoes can have a client for life for the rieker brand if he is satisfied with his initial purchase, brand loyalty at a stroke.

It is not merely a matter of size or even size and width, it is vital that the foot is cushioned against the hard surfaces encountered on a daily basis. This involves the use of materials in the sole of the shoe having the properties that can create a cushioning effect. Rubber and foams are the best materials to achieve the desired effect.

It may sound too easy after the initial research is done. All the components have been identified, the sizes established so it's just a simple task to make a last, effectively the mould for the size of shoe. Mission completed, we have rieker shoes with a unique rieker design. Unfortunately that is not the case because different styles of shoe require different lasts as the design changes. It is also important to remember that a shoe is not just two pieces, a top and a bottom. There can be anything up to fifty pieces in a single shoe, an ongoing challenge to the manufacturer.

The consumer is prepared to pay the price for quality, whether the shoe for daytime work in the office, for casual leisure time, for winter and summer, the shoe for man woman or child. The leading players in the shoe industry have met and beaten a number of challenges and there is every reason to think they will continue to do so.