Method
Thirty three normal subjects and fourteen diabetic patients were participated. Plantar peak pressures in shoes were measured by pedar^Ⱂ during a comfortable gait wearing two types of diabetic shoes, respectively. A shoes and B shoes were used in this study. Plantar pressure was analyzed by pedar C-expert program at T0 (whole foot), M1 (heel), M2 (midfoot), M3 (1st, 2nd metatarsal area), M4 (3rd, 4th, 5th metatarsal area), M5 (great toe), M6 (2nd, 3rd toe area) and M7 (4th, 5th toe area) zones respectively.

Results
Plantar peak pressures of diabetic patients without neuropathic and ischemic symptom were not different from normal subjects. In normal subjects, plantar peak pressure of B shoes were lower than A shoes at both T0, M3 and M5 zones and left M6 and M7 zones. Plantar peak pressures of A shoes was lower than B shoes at both M2 zones. In diabetic patients plantar peak pressures of B shoes was lower than A shoes at right M4 and left M5 zones.

Conclusion
There was no sgnificant difference between plantar peak pressures of normal subjects and diabetic patients without neuproathic and ischemic symptom. B shoes were better than A shoes to reduce plantar peak pressure. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 433-437)