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A new blog to contain answers to prompts |
Since my old blog "Everyday Canvas " ![]() |
Prompt: Shoes What are your views on the importance and use of shoes? I mean, why do we humans need shoes? Didn't we evolve feet capable of standing up on the ground like other animals? ------------ I think shoes are very important for keeping our feet and for keeping us mobile. Shoes come in all sizes and shapes, fancy colors, and varying heels. To choose the right kind of a shoe for one's feet is very important. This is because we are not made to go barefoot. As for me, I could never go barefoot since my soles aren't as thick as the soles of other mammals. And if I had ever known any better when I was much younger, I would never have worn those very high heels. But what is done is done. ![]() And no, we didn't evolve feet like other animals, according to those who know. This is because other mammals' feet have adapted for climbing, digging, and speed. Our feet are specialized for upright walking and endurance running. It is also because we are not four-footed but bi-peds. Most mammals, including the apes, use all their four limbs for movement. No us! This is also because our feet are now broader and more rigid to provide stability when walking upright. For example, the big toes of the apes are for grasping branches. We might have had that capability but it seems we have lost it during the evolution. Instead, we developed arches for shock absorbance to reduce the strain of walking and running. Then, our feet bear the full weight of our bodies, whereas other mammals have their weight distributed on their four limbs. Still, as efficient as our feet are, wouldn't it be nice if we could peel a banana with our toes? Maybe, if we try harder, we could teach ourselves to do that. But why go through all that trouble when our hands can easily do the same job in a jiffy! Even now, in my old age, I'm grateful for the way my feet work, with arthritis and all. Without my feet in sneakers, where would I be! |