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Turns out we don't! Well, other than to protect from potentially harmful debris or hazardous weather conditions, that is.

Our feet don't need a soft cushion between us and the ground, and when our shoes provide that barrier, we tend to walk harder, negating a lot of that softening effect in a primal effort to feel the ground beneath us. Barefoot, your natural stride is a bit shorter, meaning instead of the edge of your heel hitting the pavement first, the impact moves closer to the middle of your foot, softening the blow. And within their rubber and fabric prisons, your feet can't be as flexible, meaning you're missing out on a powerful push off from your toes with each step. As proof of this, researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand found that humans had healthier feet before the invention of shoes.

As a personal anecdote, I actually went to college with a guy who walked around campus barefoot all the time. I remember seeing him around once after it had rained -- the sidewalk was all wet and kind of gritty, and his bare feet were getting all of that up close and personal. Gross! But I guess he was on to something after all.

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Harley Cassin

Lvl 10
5y ago

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Why do you need two shoes?

Wearing two shoes provides balance and support for your body while walking or standing. It also helps protect your feet from injury and provides cushioning and comfort for your feet. Additionally, having two shoes ensures even wear and tear on both feet.


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Scientists wear closed toed shoes during labs to protect their feet from objects and substances that might be dropped, spilled, splashed, etc. Where the objects might be particularly heavy they may even choose to use "steel-toed" shoes to protect their toes from crushing.


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Do converse make your feet smell?

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