Objective To analyze the statistical behavior of plantar pressure distribution, extract the characteristics of foot movement, and provide references for application of gait recognition in medical clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation training and public health. Methods The collected foot pressure data were prepossessed, statistical analysis on the data was performed, the footprint reconstruction was realized, and the pressure distribution rates of the footprints, segmented regions and each region were compared and analyzed, so as to decompose the foot motion characteristics. Results Based on the cross point of pressure peak curve in different regions, the plantar region was divided into toe region, metatarsal region, arch region and heel region, which could accurately extract the foot movement characteristics. Conclusions The peak plantar pressure is used to extract the characteristics of foot movement, which is divided into landing stage, whole foot contact stage, heel tiptoe stage and ground off stage.