Advancing Podiatry: Biomechanics, Footwear, and Orthotics Insights

Foam, Plaster, Scan – Does It Really Matter?

Real-world opinions on accuracy vs practicality, STJ neutral myths, and lab feedback loops.

11:00–11:30 AM – 3D Scanning vs Traditional Casting: Precision Without the Plaster? - Karen Langone

11:30–12:00 PM – Neutral Position or Not? Rethinking the Subtalar Debate - Paul Langer

12:00–12:30 PM – Orthotics  Mechanism of Action…Muscle Tuning to Dampen Soft Tissue Vibration? – Kim Ross

12:30–1:00 PM – Roundtable Discussion

One Device, Many Options – How Much is Too Much?

Clinical debate on over-modification, patient tolerance, and building a “go-to” protocol for common pathologies.

1:15–1:45 PM – Posting Principles: Rearfoot Mods that Actually Matter – Karen Langone

1:45–2:15 PM – When Less is More: Streamlining Orthotic Design for Real Life – Daniel Benjamin

2:15–2:45 PM – The Mod Matrix: Building a Repeatable Protocol for Plantar Fasciitis, PTTD, peroneal tendinitis, plantar heel pain, sesamoiditis, neuromas, etc. – Simon Dickinson

2:45–3:15 PM – Roundtable Discussion

If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit, Should the Device Exist?

Case-based discussion around footwear-device mismatches, patient compliance, and how to educate the end user.

3:30–3:45 PM – Shoe Fit 101: Identifying the Red Flags in Footwear Compatibility – Trevor Prior

3:45–4:15 PM – When Devices Fail: The Hidden Cost of Poor Shoe Pairings – Matt Gooch

4:15–4:45 PM – Educating Patients on Shoe Selection – From Clinic to Closet – Diana Palin

4:45–5:15 PM – Roundtable Discussion

Stack, Drop, Rocker, Rebound – Buzzwords or Biomechanics?

Quickfire insights and disagreements on the biomechanical value of current footwear trends, and how to interpret them clinically.

5:30–6:00 PM – Stack Height and Rocker Soles: When and Why They Work – Simon Bartold

6:00–6:30 PM – Foam Density and Energy Return – Is Rebound Always Good? – Trevor Prior

6:30–7:00 PM – Drop Talk: Heel-to-Toe Offsets and the Gait Debate – Matt Gooch

7:00–7:30 PM – Roundtable Discussion

7:30–8:00 PM – The Future of Footwear, Orthoses & Biomechanics: Are We Headed Toward Full Custom Everything?

All-speaker live panel + audience Q&A exploring the next five years in lower extremity care.