## 4 Discussion
Furthermore, both the material selection and geometry design of the customized 3D model insole were suitable because of the numerical prediction of lower peak pressure values and a uniform pressure redistribution along the foot sole, mainly reducing stress concentrations in most plantar regions where peak pressure points occurred when this anatomical position was maintained without the employment of any orthotic device. Foot sole regions presented a minor pressure increment, resulting in foot-insole contact. The initial numerical analysis utilizing the finite element method provides an appropriate assessment for the geometric design of a 3D model customized insole evaluation, firstly relying on analyzing the foot by itself (barefoot) and then considering both morphological and anthropometrical aspects to comprehend where there is a higher likelihood of peak pressure points occurring. The plantar orthosis material also has a significant role in the correct performance, commonly based on controlling foot functions or providing cushioning effects. TPU was ideal for relieving peak pressure points on tender spots, giving additional support, enhancing stability, and adding an extra layer to the plantar region. Numerically analyzing pressure points in a foot, apparently under normal conditions, promotes a more thorough comprehension of real-life behavior under the simulated anatomical position. Deepening current knowledge about this subject could better implement numerical approaches for pathological foot analysis, giving proper medical evaluation towards rehabilitation. In addition to experimental validation, the present study closely aligns with extant investigations in foot finite element analysis modeling. Notably, whereas prior published studies predominantly focused on incorporating bony elements within their models, this work presents a unique aspect by exclusively considering the foot's soft tissues. This methodological distinction deviates from established approaches and thus represents a novel contribution to the existing body of literature. Numerical simulations' stress distribution results are in solid concordance with previous finite element analyses when evaluating barefoot balanced standing, reinforcing the observations reported regarding peak pressure values and the distribution of stress patterns in the plantar region [51; 52; 53], specifically when utilizing the muscles' mechanical properties provided by [PERSON]. Atthe same time, results obtained in the plantar surface, including the customized insole, correlate highly with other research papers that optimize insole design through numerical analyses [54; 55; 56; 57; 58]. Moreover, the plantar peak pressure values for the utilization of the personalized orthotic device are in substantial consensus with recent literature in insole construction combining additive manufacturing materials and traditional materials [49; 59]. Nonetheless, the specific reconstructed model features differ from most foot finite element models in the literature; the results are in accordance due to two main reasons: utilizing a similar methodology to analyze balanced standing and the reconstruction of healthy foot models in similar patient populations in healthy conditions without foot pathology issues. Despite this study demonstrating feasible results to be established as a solid methodology for numerical analyses in biological tissues, it is relevant to point out certain limitations of this research. While it is not a significant issue in employing this methodology, it is relevant to account for proper computational equipment to develop the numerical analyses quickly. Another issue that may compromise the reproducibility of this paper relies on the need for medical data to assign displacement magnitude, taking into account that defining the displacement value has a relationship with body weight but does not have a direct conversion. A fundamental limitation of this study is the use of data from a single, young, and healthy subject.