Shoe-fitting fluoroscope

A historical device used in shoe stores to view the fit of shoes using X-rays

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was a device used in shoe stores during the early to mid-20th century to assist in the fitting of shoes. It utilized X-ray technology to allow customers and salespeople to view the bones of the feet inside the shoes, ostensibly to ensure a proper fit.

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A shoe-fitting fluoroscope on display at the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

History

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was invented in the 1920s and became popular in shoe stores across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The device typically consisted of a vertical wooden cabinet with an opening at the bottom where the customer would place their feet. Inside the cabinet, an X-ray tube would emit radiation, and the resulting image would be displayed on a fluorescent screen.

Design and Operation

The fluoroscope was designed to be simple to operate. Customers would stand on a platform, and the device would be activated to produce an X-ray image of the feet inside the shoes. The image could be viewed through a series of viewing ports, allowing both the customer and the salesperson to see the fit of the shoe.

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Operating controls of a shoe-fitting fluoroscope.

Health Concerns

Despite its popularity, the shoe-fitting fluoroscope raised significant health concerns due to the exposure to ionizing radiation. At the time, the dangers of X-ray exposure were not fully understood, and many devices lacked adequate shielding. Prolonged or repeated exposure could lead to harmful effects, including radiation burns and an increased risk of cancer.

Decline and Regulation

By the 1950s, growing awareness of the health risks associated with X-ray exposure led to increased regulation and the eventual decline of the shoe-fitting fluoroscope. Many countries implemented stricter safety standards, and the devices were gradually phased out of use in shoe stores.

Related pages

• X-ray
• Radiation safety
• History of radiology