What is the difference between a plantar pressure measurement device and a foot scanner?

Plantar pressure measurement devices and foot scanners are two completely different types of equipment in terms of function and working principles. They differ in focus, purpose, and data output. The comparison is clearly outlined below:

1. Different Definitions

Plantar Pressure Measurement Device
A device used to collect pressure variation data from different areas of the sole during standing, walking, or running. It focuses on "the force of the foot pressing on the ground."

Foot Scanner
A device used to obtain the 3D contour of the foot’s shape, typically measuring foot length, width, height, and arch curvature. It focuses on "the shape of the foot itself."

2. Different Working Principles

Plantar Pressure Measurement Principle
Relies on arrays of pressure sensors (resistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, optical fiber, etc.) to detect vertical pressure at each point of the foot sole, generating heat maps and gait curves.

Foot Scanner Principle
Uses laser, infrared, or structured light to scan the surface of the foot, capturing 3D contour data and generating a foot shape model.

3. Different Data Outputs

Outputs from Pressure Measurement Device

Plantar pressure heat map

Center of pressure (COP) trajectory

Step length, cadence, landing sequence

Left and right foot pressure comparison

Gait cycle, support time, etc.

Outputs from Foot Scanner

Foot length, width, instep height

Arch type (high arch, normal, flat)

Hallux valgus angle, toe curvature

3D foot model files (such as STL)

4. Different Usage Purposes

Pressure Measurement Device is Commonly Used For

Gait analysis

Sports rehabilitation

Foot disease diagnostic support

Balance assessment for the elderly

Running injury prevention

Foot Scanner is Commonly Used For

Custom shoe and insole production

Shoe last design

3D printing modeling

Orthotic brace modeling

Digital human foot modeling

5. Can They Replace Each Other?

No.
They are two measurement tools with different focuses. One targets the dynamic force between the foot and the ground, while the other focuses on the structural features of the foot itself. In actual applications, they are often used together. For example, in professional foot assessment centers or custom shoe services, they are jointly used for combined structural and functional analysis.