Durometer is a measure of what characteristic?

Durometer is a measurement of hardness, specifically in flexible materials such as rubber and plastics. It quantifies the resistance of a material to indentation, which provides insight into the material's durability and strength. The durometer scale is commonly used in various industries, including footwear, to ensure that materials used in products like therapeutic shoes have the appropriate hardness for comfort and support.

In the context of therapeutic shoe fitting, understanding durometer values is critical because the hardness of materials used in shoes can affect their cushioning and support. A shoe with appropriate hardness can help prevent foot conditions and provide a solid foundation for proper biomechanical function.

The other options, while relevant attributes of materials, do not relate to durometer. Weight refers to how heavy a material is, elasticity pertains to how much a material can stretch and return to its original shape, and thickness denotes the physical dimension of a material. These characteristics are important but are distinct from the concept of hardness measured by durometer.