Shoes and the Human Foot: A History Lesson

Fossil records suggest that shoes have been part of human history for at least 40,000 years. Researchers can even determine if ancient people wore shoes by examining the thickness of their toe bones. One of the oldest known shoes—a leather moccasin—dates back 5,500 years, offering early evidence of humans’ ingenuity in protecting their feet from extreme terrain and climate.

But while shoes were created out of necessity, modern styles have influenced our feet in unexpected—and often harmful—ways. Ancient footwear was typically minimal, offering basic protection from the elements but little in terms of arch support or cushioning. Fast forward to today, and we have thousands of styles available, from ultra-cushioned athletic shoes to fashion-focused stilettos. Yet many of these designs prioritize appearance over anatomy.

The Foot: Nature’s Masterpiece

The human foot is a marvel of biomechanics. Each foot contains:

• 26 bones
• 33 joints
• Over 120 muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves

That means your feet hold roughly 25% of your body’s bones—all working together to support movement and balance. The natural shape of the foot is brilliantly designed for shock absorption and agility. But the reality is: most of us spend years wearing shoes that ignore this anatomy.

When properly supported, the arch of the foot functions like a natural spring, absorbing shock and helping distribute weight evenly. But when that support is compromised—through poor footwear choices or loss of natural fat pads—everything from your posture to your knees can suffer.

Are Foot Problems Genetic?

It’s a common belief: “My mom had bunions, so I’m destined to get them too.” While genetics may predispose you to certain conditions—like bunions, hammertoes, or bone spurs—they aren’t inevitable. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices play a much larger role in developing chronic foot issues.

More often than not, foot pain stems from decades of wearing:

• Narrow-toed shoes
• Unsupportive flats
• High heels
• Shoes with poor shock absorption

The good news? These issues are largely preventable. Early intervention—such as investing in well-fitting shoes and using proper lacing techniques—can go a long way in preserving long-term foot health.

Check out our guide to common foot problems in older adults and learn the signs your shoes need to go.

Why Women Are More Affected

According to the study If the Shoe Fits, Wear It, 9 out of 10 women wear shoes that are too small. Many women stop measuring their feet after early adulthood, unaware that foot size can change due to factors like pregnancy or natural widening over time.

Women are also more likely to wear fashion-forward shoes—especially high heels—that place undue stress on the foot. These styles can cause a variety of long-term conditions, such as:

• Pump Bump: A painful growth on the back of the heel where high heel straps dig in
• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation from poor arch support
• Heel Spurs: Calcium deposits from chronic strain
• Bunions: Bony bumps caused by narrow toe boxes
• Hammertoes: Toes bent at abnormal angles
• Shortened Calf Muscles: Caused by prolonged high heel wear

Repeated exposure to these styles, even a few times a week, can permanently affect the shape and function of the foot.

Read more about why high heels are harmful to your feet, and how to prevent toe deformities over time.

Step Smarter with Modern Footwear Solutions

Most of us take 10,000 steps per day—adding up to over 115,000 miles in a lifetime. The foot is engineered to absorb up to 4x your body weight while running, thanks to the arch’s natural spring mechanism and a thick fat pad at the heel and forefoot.

However, by age 50, over half of this fat pad can wear away due to constant exposure to hard, flat surfaces like pavement and tile. This loss leads to discomfort and an increased risk of foot pain and injury.

Pairing healthy lifestyle habits—like toe flexor exercises and daily hydration for foot care—can slow this deterioration and keep your feet functioning at their best. You might also benefit from incorporating reflexology for healthier feet into your routine.

Heel Better™ with KURU

Nature didn’t design your feet for concrete jungles. That’s why we created KURU Footwear—engineered to preserve and protect the natural shape and function of the human foot.

Each pair is built with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which dynamically flexes to cup the heel’s fat pad—keeping it centered for maximum shock absorption. Our foot-shaped design allows the toes to splay naturally, helping reduce the risk of bunions, toe deformities, and arch strain.

At KURU, we believe true comfort starts with thoughtful design—not just added padding. That’s why we work with nature, not against it—building every shoe to honor the anatomy of your feet. Respect your foundation. Explore our full collection and take your next step toward lasting comfort and support.

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 38,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.