Footstep-induced energy harvesting through piezoelectric-embedded insoles

The effectiveness of piezoelectric footwear depends on accurately identifying the areas of the shoe that experience the greatest pressure during walking or running. These high-pressure zones are ideal for placing piezoelectric materials, as greater mechanical stress enhances electrical output. This research investigates foot regions that generate the most electricity through pressure applied to shoe insoles. Despite extensive research on piezoelectric footwear, limited work has examined the combined effect of biomechanical variables and energy storage strategies on energy harvesting. This study bridges that gap through experimental mapping of foot pressure distribution to electrical output, offering practical design insights. Results confirm that the metatarsal and heel regions produce the highest voltage. The proposed shoe insoles are capable of powering devices, such as LEDs, using capacitors. Capacitors with higher capacitance, such as a 47-mF supercapacitor, can store more energy and provide longer power output, though they require more time to charge. Overall, the study highlights that efficient piezoelectric-embedded insole design depends on optimal material placement, user biomechanics, resistance load, and energy storage capacity. These considerations enable effective conversion of mechanical energy from walking into usable electrical energy.