actually it usually comes from being barefoot from day one. At most they may have had a hide or leather cover but they had no hard bottomed shoes… tends to make whatever arch you might have had collapse.
myth?
I've been going barefoot all my life - only get shoes on me when necc. for town, etc -
I'm a great grandmother - my arches ae still so high I can't wear tie shoes or shoes without some elastic side inserts -
I'm not alone in surmising that going barefoot can actually strengthen the foot, while being mostly encased in the restraint of man-made shoes actually weakens the foot.
In addition, shoes, especially those made today, interfere with the foots flexibility when walking.
My feeling is that shoes are for protecting the foot in 'civilizations' paved, cemented, 'debreed', FILTHY surfaces - and when the weather is too cold.
Also, today's shoes are largely soled with materials than not only restrict flexibility but that do not allow for the conduction of electrical charge emanating from the earth.
We are a 'body electric' and need 'recharging' for energy and health. This is once again being recognized. Take your shoes off and wiggle your toes in the dew covered grass ;o)
or wear leather soled shoes or mocs.
Okay, hadn’t thought of that angle.
Hm- I went barefoot, as a kids, all summer - wearing shoes only when necessary. I have continued this my whole life.p>Shoes, to me, are something to wear only when going to town - or otherwise into 'man's world' - and when cold etc.
My arches - at age 80 in July - are still so high, I can't wear laced shoes...and still very narrow.