An Innovative Solution for Individual Foot Health Start-up Sooley Develops First Home-Based 3D Foot Scanner for Smartphones

Konstanz, February 14, 2024 - Around 70% of the population suffer from misalignments, pain, and wear and tear of the feet, but only a fifth of those affected take action against it. Time-consuming on-site appointments and long waiting times deter many. The innovative technology of a South German start-up represents not only a groundbreaking development for millions of sufferers but also for orthopedists like Andreas Lernbass: With Sooley, iPhone users can easily create a 3D scan of their feet themselves - and take a significant step towards better foot health with custom-made insoles.

The idea came to Sooley's founders, Sanya Zillich and Jakob Raible, in 2018 after a trade fair visit. They discussed their foot problems while dealing professionally with 3D scanning technologies and the Face ID sensor in the iPhone. Zillich, who had been walking around in his old insoles for over ten years, complained of pain again. "The solution was right at our fingertips," he recalls today.

3D Foot Measurement - Do It Yourself

For the scans, the start-up uses the 3D sensor installed in almost all iPhones for face recognition: With the specially developed AI foot recognition, even amateurs without prior knowledge can easily create detailed, three-dimensional images of their feet. "Our goal was to make the app so simple that even my six-year-old son enjoys the scanning process," says Zillich. What sounds simple makes professionals like orthopedic shoemaker master Achim Oberle rave: "Sooley enables us to get foot scans from customers worldwide almost free of charge. This opens the door to extensive long-term studies on foot health. This is something we have been waiting for in the industry for a long time." Sooley aims to develop the perfect insole. Therefore, the foot is scanned both under load and unloaded. And so that the insole not only fits the foot but also the shoe, even the shoe's insole is scanned. For each customer, an orthopedic shoemaker master creates an individual diagnostic video. Upon order, the custom-made insoles are then produced with a 3D printer and shipped directly to customers worldwide. "Compared to traditional production methods, this saves about 70% of waste," says Oberle. In long-term collaboration with triathletes, the start-up has recently expanded its portfolio to include insoles for runners and cyclists. And Zillich's plans go even further: "We are always looking for suitable development partners for exciting sports."

Impacts on Orthopedics

Andreas Lernbass, a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery, also enthusiastically welcomes the innovation: "The scanning app transforms the industry and represents a groundbreaking development for personalized foot health." And this affects overall well-being, as foot problems often lead to other complaints such as hip problems, knee, and back pain - often with high treatment and subsequent costs. In countries with less advanced medical infrastructure, easier access to the expertise of German specialists can help many people. "This development marks a turning point for us and has the potential to give new impetus to orthopedics, a traditional German industry," says Oberle.

Business Customers Utilize Sooley's Scanning Solution
Due to its vision of helping as many people as possible solve their foot problems, the company also offers its scanning technology to other industry participants. "For example, a South American manufacturer of orthopedic shoes, a producer of 3D-printed high-fashion shoes, and a sports equipment supplier already use our technology," reveals Sanya Zillich. The founding duo recognizes the huge global demand and is open to further partners - for the benefit of our foot health.

- Name of the company: Sooley insoles
- FULL POSTAL ADDRESS of the company: Turmstr. 8, 78467 Konstanz, Germany
• CEO: Sanya Zillich
• Email: sanya@shoefitter.io
• Phone: 0049 176 63320174
Social Media:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sooleyinsoles
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sooley_insoles/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sooley-insoles/
• Additional Resources: https://sooley.io
• Or book a video call with our CEO: https://calendly.com/sanya-meeting/sooley

Origin of Sooley
The brainchild of founders Sanya Zillich and Jakob Raible, the inspiration behind Sooley sprouted while discussing their foot issues, concurrently delving into 3D scanning technologies and the iPhone's FaceID sensor. Sanya, having not purchased new insoles for over a decade, recurrently felt discomfort post-ski days or trade fair visits. This personal pain point led to Sooley's inception, envisioning pain-free feet for many.
A survey from Ärztezeitung and Statista reveals that 70% of Germans suffer from foot issues, with only 20% seeking treatment. Such foot complications frequently escalate to other concerns like knee pain, hip troubles, and backaches, amplifying the healthcare costs for employers.

This release was published on openPR.