Objective To establish the three-dimensional (3D) statistical shape model (SSM) of the foot, so as to reveal the 3D foot shape variations. Methods Foot data from 50 normal Chinese young males were used for 3D statistical shape modelling. Steps, including mesh registration of foot surface, axis alignment and principal component (PC) analysis (dimension reduction), were performed to obtain the parameterized foot shape (mean shape and standard deviation of PC). Results Through the principal component analysis (PCA), the 3D foot shape varied in the length and width (PC1, 48.01%), arch and dorsal height (PC2, 11.38%), and hallux abduction-adduction position (PC3, 7.48%). Conclusions Based on the parameterised 3D foot SSM, these datasets can be applied into the population-based shoe last manufacture, orthotics customization and quick diagnosis of foot disorders in clinic.