Why The Shoe Pinches, 1868

About this book:

An absolute must read for functional feet enthusiasts! This is one of the oldest books we physically own & for some time we struggled to get hold of a digital version, we could not copy ours as its too fragile. We are happy to upload this file for you here to download & share!

Introduction from this book:

Our ideas as to what is elegant and proper in regard to the feet being so radically bad, I have no hope that the promulgation of the proper shape of the shoe will have any sensible influence in reforming the fashions of the day.

There are, however, many who, having outlived the vanities of fashion, sigh for a little comfort did they only know where to find it ; who for years have been exerting their ingenuity, and trying in vain, by means of lasts made for their feet, and various other expedients, to attain to the simple luxury of a comfortably fitting shoe, and these I am sure will feel thankful for the information now afforded them.

Parents, too, may be induced to see that the feet of their children are not made deformities before they are fully developed ; and I believe that a great boon would be conferred by the introduction of the proposed shape of accidents, and like causes, weakened parts are more susceptible to its influence," and then mentions cases in which first attacks, instead of appearing in the usual seat were limited to the knee or other parts that had suffered from previous injuries.

At page 354 he remarks, that" the metatarso-phalangeal joint is one which is subject to pressure and injury from having to support the weight of the body," and he adds, thereby affording impartial evidence as to the evil effects of an improperly shaped shoe, that he has, in many individuals who had never experienced any symptoms of gout, " very commonly found distinct evidence of injury on the surface of the

cartilage, both of the head of the metatarsal bone and of the cup-like cavity of the phalanx/' All this clearly points to a weakened part, and the merit of our author is in directing attention to the true cause of its production, for the metatarso-phalangeal joint is not, as Dr. Garrod says, actually injured by having to support the weight of the body, but by its having to do so in a constrained and unnatural position.

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- Jun 12, 2022
Human fossil footprints
- Nov 13, 2022
Treating 2,500 feet per day!

Modern Life

It begins in childhood — sitting at desks, limited play, and too much screen time.
As we grow, stillness becomes the norm. Chairs, shoes, cars, and screens replace natural movement.

By adulthood, our bodies are already adapting — in all the wrong ways. Muscles weaken, joints stiffen, and we move less without even realising it. Modern life doesn’t just reduce movement. It rewires us away from it.

Designed to Move

Our bodies were built for motion. From the ground up, everything about us is made to move — joints that bend and rotate, muscles that contract and respond, feet that adapt to uneven terrain. Movement is in our DNA.

But when we stop moving, the system breaks down. Joints stiffen. Muscles weaken. Posture collapses. And our bodies start to compensate in harmful ways — creating tension, imbalance, and pain.

Movement isn’t just natural. It’s necessary. Without it, we lose not just mobility, but function.

Reclaim Natural Movement

You don’t need a gym or hours of free time to start moving better — it begins with small choices, repeated daily. Walk during your lunch break. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Spend more time barefoot at home. Choose shoes that let your feet move naturally. These simple habits reconnect you with the way your body is meant to function.

Reclaiming natural movement isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what’s right for your body. The more you move with intention, the more your strength, balance, and coordination return. Over time, movement becomes effortless again — not something you force, but something that flows.

MAKE THE CHANGE

Feeling stiff, unstable, or disconnected from how your body moves? If yes, this is your sign to start changing that.

Movement doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need the right tools, a bit of guidance, and a simple way to begin. That’s exactly what our Starter Bundle is designed for.

It’s everything you need to rebuild strength, stability, and mobility — starting at the feet and working your way up.

Small daily changes lead to lasting results. Your body is ready — now it’s your move.