The Hindu Business Line : CLRI develops therapeutic footwear

It has four layers of polyurethane of varying density.
Commercial production expected to start in a year.
The shop price is expected to be between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,800.

Chennai , June 7

The Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) and Diabetes Research Centre (DRC) have developed branded therapeutic footwear for low and moderate risk diabetic patients.

According to Mr B.N. Das Senior Assistant Director & Head, CLRI Shoe Design & Development Centre, the design resembles a sandal or floater with a rocker bottom (the toe region being designed at lower gradient than the rest of the sole). It has four layers of polyurethane of varying density.

The top layer, insole, is replaceable if worn out. The central layers provide cushioning effect while the bottom most layer is a hard mould.

The upper body of the shoe including velcro straps is made of soft cow leather, providing maximum pressure distribution.

Commercial production

Commercial production is expected to start in a year. The materials cost Rs 500 and the shop price is expected to be between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,800.

The sandal will be launched in retail stores and shops selling therapeutic footwear.

CLRI is looking at a large-scale manufacturer with nation-wide distribution network for technology exchange. A closed shoe model is also likely to be introduced based on demand. Colour variants of the sandal are also being considered.

The design was developed as a part of a Rs 5-lakh project funded by Novo Nordisk Education Foundation.

During the three-year project over 100 sandals were tested on 50 patients of MV Diabetes Clinic.

Footwear design

According to Mr Vijay Viswanathan, Joint Director, DRC, the footwear design has been filed for patent and DRC is open to exporting the technology and product to countries in Africa due to the large spread of diabetic foot ailment there.

DRC is collaborating with other research organisations to prevent diabetic complications. Phase III trials are on with at least four molecules that will delay insulin dependency and, thereby, complications such as amputation, kidney failure and blindness.

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