Influence of Vamp Opening Configuration on Foot–Footwear Biomechanics: A Finite Element Analysis of Women’s Low-Heeled Court Shoes

Footwear geometry plays an important role in determining mechanical performance, plantar load distribution, comfort, and foot stability during gait. Understanding how constructive design parameters influence foot biomechanics is essential for developing footwear that improves comfort while reducing excessive mechanical loading. Although various finite element studies have investigated insole and outsole design, midsole materials, and plantar pressure redistribution, comparatively little attention has been paid to the influence of upper construction parameters, particularly vamp opening configuration, on the biomechanical behaviour of feet and footwear. This study investigates how the opening amplitude of the vamp affects the biomechanical response of three constructive variants—medium (M1), wide (M2), and narrow (M3) vamp openings—developed on a common shoe last derived from anthropometric data. Finite element analysis was conducted using ANSYS 17.2, with 3D models built in Delcam Crispin ShoeMaker Pro 2015 R2 for the three loading scenarios. Total deformation and von Mises stress were extracted as primary output parameters for both the foot and footwear. The results indicate that wider vamp openings increase structural flexibility, with M2 recording the highest total deformation across multiple scenarios, whereas narrower openings generate elevated stress concentrations, particularly in loading scenario 2. The medium vamp opening (M1) demonstrated the most favourable stress distribution overall, with a maximum stress of 1.838 Megapascals (MPa). Validation against experimental plantar pressure data confirmed that loading scenario 3 follows the same plantar pressure distribution trend as in the biomechanical study. The results confirm finite element analysis as an effective computational tool for footwear design evaluation and indicate that vamp amplitude should be considered alongside material selection and geometry as a key variable influencing comfort, fit, and structural performance.