[maine-iac7]

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.

[Nifster]

not really…. you have worn shoes more than you realize. modern shoes tend to help keep the arch in tact. I like you go shoeless as often as I can but it is never all the time

[Does so]

I’ve discovered that walking barefoot allows me to ease the strain on a knee that needs a new cartilage. I’ve been able to postpone knee-replacement surgery for nearly seven years. A “Rooster Comb” treatment has left me unimpressed six weeks later. :-/