BACKGROUND:The finite element analysis used to study the biomechanical properties of foot structure contributes to overcome the disadvantages of traditional mechanical analysis of specimens. OBJECTIVE:To summarize some representative finite element models of the foot and review the establishment methods of finite element models of the foot with biomechanical properties. METHODS:A computer-based online search was conducted in CNKI, Wanfang and PubMed databases by using the key words of“finite element model, biomechanic, foot structure”from 1999 to 2015. The language was limited to both Chinese and English. Establishment methods of finite element models of the foot structure containing obtaining of model establishment data, establishment of solid model, setting methods of properties of model materials. The application of finite element analysis of the foot structure in sports biomechanics and medical orthotics was summarized to point the characteristics and disadvantages of finite element analysis application in biomechanics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:An increasing number of studies on foot biomechanics provide the platform for finite element analysis of the foot applied in biomechanical analysis. Many key technologies, including self-adaption image segmentation method, hexahedron grid product method and establishment of finite element models with various materials have to be utilized to converse the medical images into digital models of finite element analysis during establishment of finite element models. Results of model establishment may be affected by limitation conditions, accuracy of image col ection, calculation results of finite element analysis. The reliability of finite element models can be increased by modify technologies and verification methods.