Why are shoes made so narrow to the point that it changes the bone structure of our foot? There had to be a benefit at some point so make them so narrow, right?

Question

Tribal people who don’t wear shoes have very wide feet compared to people who wear shoes. I saw a commercial for “natural” shoes talking about how narrow even athletic shoes or standard shoes are compared to theirs. They claim that this changes the bones structure of the foot and can cause issues. I understand why we wear shoes, but why did we make them so narrow to the point that it changes our foot? Is there a benefit?

In: 4245

Answer 1

Pointed toed shoes were created for riding on horses. It is easier to put your shoe in the stirrup if the toe is pointed.

Heeled shoes were created for the same reason. The angle where the sole and heel meet helped keep your shoe in the stirrup.

Rich people rode horses, poor people did not. So shoes with pointed toes and heels were for rich people. So people wore them even if they were not riding a horse to appear rich enough to own a horse.

Modern clothes style for formal clothes was set in the 19th century. The actual style varies in detail, but basically men’s suits are based on 19th century military uniforms and women’s dresses and shoes are based on 19th century women’s fashion.

So women still wear shoes that are supposed to look like they are rich enough to ride a horse.