Why The Shoe Pinches, 1857

About this historical book:

Penned in the 1800s, this book stands as a pinnacle in preserving the flame of understanding foot function and the significance of our shoe shape. Despite its small size, the impact it made during its time was enormous, making it one of our all-time favourites! At MFF HQ, we proudly hold an original copy of this influential book!

Motivated by their role as an anatomy teacher and a keen observer of foot deformities caused by ill-fitting shoes, the author decided to delve deeper into the subject. The initial paper stirred interest, leading to requests for a more comprehensive exploration. Despite some hesitation, the author recognised the importance of the topic and took inspiration from renowned anatomists like Peter Camper and Sommering.

This is a precursor to a detailed examination of footwear issues affecting everyone. Unlike Sommering's focus on women's stays, the universal relevance of the shoe problem is emphasised. The author hopes their proposed solutions for elegant yet practical footwear will gain more traction than earlier attempts, especially considering the impractical suggestions made by Peter Camper in the last century.

In essence, the preface sets the stage for a thought-provoking journey into the world of footwear, promising practical insights and solutions to long-standing problems.

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- Jan 24, 2024
The Foot & its covering, James Dowie, 1861

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.