What is SSI?

Shoe Stability Index (SSI) is an indicator of shoe stability, as an index. SSI is derived through mathematically combining the quantified measurements of midfoot stability (TCI) and hindfoot stability (VCI), indicating the shoe’s overall ability to control the motion of the foot.

What is TCI?

Torsion Control Index (TCI) is a measurement of midfoot shoe stability, in inch-pound units (in.-lbs.). TCI is measured through actively twisting a shoe around the longitudinal axis of the shoe, from the heel to the area of the toes joints, simulating rotational forces of the foot, and measuring the shoe’s resistance to this motion.

The higher the TCI, the firmer the midfoot and more torsional stability. The lower the TCI, the softer the midfoot and less torsional stability.

What is VCI?

Vertical Compression Index (VCI) is a measurement of hindfoot shoe stability, in millimeters (mm). VCI is measured through compression of the heel portion of the shoe under a fixed amount of pressure, thereby measuring how the structure of the shoe controls rearfoot motion.

The higher the VCI, the softer the midsole and less hindfoot stability. The lower the VCI, the firmer the midsole and more hindfoot stability.

What is Loaded Heel to Toe Drop?

Loaded Heel to Toe Drop is the measurement in millimeters of the height of the heel relative to the fore foot when compressed to a fixed poundage. This can be defined as vertical support.

What is RI?

Rebound Index (RI) is an indicator of energy return of shoe to the foot, in millimeters (mm). RI is measured through compression of the heel portion of the shoe under a fixed amount of pressure, and then determining how much force the shoe exerts on the foot.

What is Fore Flex?

Fore Flex is the measurement in millimeters of the fore foot when compressed to a fixed poundage. The higher the Fore Flex, the softer the sole, allowing more bend at the fore foot. The lower the Fore Flex, the firmer the sole, allowing less bend at the fore foot.

Personal Profiler

Shoe selected by gender, stature and foot pattern.

Shoe Query

Shoe selection through commonly asked questions.

Injury Profiler

Shoe selection for assisting in injury recovery and prevention.

Shoe Rankings

Shoe selection by overall shoe stability.

OPIS at Work

It is widely recognized that proper footwear reduces injuries and enhances athletic performance by improving biomechanics. The purpose of OPIS is to help determine the best footwear for an individual, given his or her physical stature, physical activity, foot pattern and injury history.

OPIS & You

The shoe data provided by OPIS is accessible on this site to all viewers. While our patented technology is what allows us to provide this data, we feel that the shoe data itself should be available to the public at no charge. However, we do incur many costs during the OPIS testing process, including equipment and shoe purchases, among others. In an effort to remain neutral in relation to footwear manufacturers and the provision of OPIS test results, our policy is to purchase all footwear tested in the OPIS laboratory, and consequently we do not accept any donations of footwear.

All revenues from this website are utilized for research and testing of athletes’ shoes independent of shoe manufactures our shoe recommendations are based on these results.