What Would Our Feet Look Like If We Never Wore Shoes?
In order to understand our feet without shoes, we need to look to barefoot cultures that exist around the world. In some parts of Asia, Africa, and South and Central America, their feet are strong and sturdy with thick calluses. The feet of shoe-wearing societies are different.
Despite their popularity across the world, shoes don't tend to function well for your feet. Conventional footwear features design elements that can make your feet unhealthy, like heels, rigid soles, and tapering toe boxes. If you're wearing shoes that don't match the shape of your feet, you're likely to get foot ailments. Bunions, crooked toes, neuromas, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciosis are all foot problems that can be traced back to footwear.
There have been a number of studies on the feet of unshod people. This research offers a unique perspective on how our feet would develop if we didn't wear shoes. Although many of these studies were performed in the early twentieth century, the implications for present-day shoe wearers are still relevant. In 1905, Philip Hoffman studied the feet of unshod individuals from the Philippines and Africa. These individuals had not yet experienced foot deterioration due to shoes. Hoffman concluded that shoe-wearing leads to loss of function in the toes, arch, and other parts of the foot. In 1931, Earl T. Engle and Dudley J. Morton conducted a study on the Congo's natives. They found those populations free from static foot conditions which are prevalent in shoe-wearing cultures.
If you would like to read more, you can find the studies here:
Shoes affect the natural development of the foot. If they were allowed to develop naturally, there are many advantages that would come with that. Foot arches would be stronger, balance would be enhanced, and pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips would be reduced. There is also a reduced likelihood of developing common foot ailments.
On the other hand, there are a few possible disadvantages to going barefoot. For example, a person might be at higher risk of injury, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones. If they are not careful, they can also suffer skin issues, like frostbite or sunburn, it could also open the door to various fungal infections.
If you're not in one of the many societies that wear shoes, barefoot may not be culturally appropriate. And many of us in contemporary shoe-wearing societies can still emulate barefoot culture by wearing men's or women's minimalist shoes. They let our feet act like they would if they weren't wearing shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do shoes affect the strength of foot muscles?
Although some studies have shown that shoes can sometimes inhibit muscle function, the benefits of wearing shoes far outweigh the disadvantages. For most foot problems, our feet need extra support, including utilising orthotics inside the shoe.
There is a theory that our feet have not evolved enough yet to walk on hard concrete surfaces. We have to and are best suited to walking on softer, more forgiving surfaces. So because of this, we need the extra support shoes to give us. Not just any shoe, a good supportive shoe.
Are there any benefits of wearing shoes for specific activities?
It is beneficial to wear the appropriate shoes for certain activities due to the following:
Absorbs the shock
Provides extra support, stability and balance
Prevents any injuries from hazardous materials or high-impact movements
Can wearing shoes lead to foot deformities in children?
Studies have shown that children who wear ill-fitting or restrictive shoes may lead to foot problems and deformities in childhood/adulthood. It is essential to ensure your child's shoes fit correctly and support their natural development to prevent this from happening. Additionally, allowing your child to go barefoot may help with their foot development.
Can wearing shoes contribute to foot odour and fungal infections?
Yes, shoes can put your feet at risk of developing foot odour and fungal infections, especially in warm and damp environments where these microorganisms thrive. However, this does not mean that they should not be worn. To prevent infections or odour, ensure you let your feet breathe, dry them properly before putting your socks/shoes on, wear socks, let your shoes dry out and wear open-toed shoes.