Someone challenged me to find fun facts about feet. Okay, I admit that is a bit strange, but hey I’m willing to give anything a try. Here are some of the most interesting things I found in my research.
There are more than 50 bones in human feet. That is one-fourth the total amount of bones in the human body.
The first shoes were made out of animal hide and were tied around the foot to provide it protection. They date back more than 4,000 years.
The average person takes about 7,500 steps per day. An extra 10,000 steps would help them keep off some excess weight.
The average woman owns more than 25 pairs of shoes.
People can walk barefoot because the skin on the bottom of their feet is more than 15 thicker than any other piece of skin on the human body.
Women have more foot problems than men for one singular reason – – high heels.
In Illinois, you could be arrested if you have smelly feet in public places like a restaurant or movie theater.
The predecessor to the stiletto was first developed in 1760.
Individual shoes for each foot were not made until the late 1700’s.
Shoe shopping should be done in the afternoon; not the morning. Science shows that the foot actually swells during the latter hours of the day.
Running increases the amount of pressure put on the human foot by more than six times your body weight.
More than 90% of all American women choose shoes that are too small for their feet.
Diabetes is responsible for the most foot amputations every year. (Not fun, but true.)
Ingrown toenails, Athlete’s Foot and fungal infections plague more than 5% of the American population every year.
The buckle, used to close some forms of shoes, was invented in 1660.
Queen Victoria is responsible for the first boots that were made for women.
The highest heels that were the “norm” in Europe were six inches in height. They were popular among the very elite in the 1600’s. Servants had to hold the arms of their mistresses in order to help them maintain balance while wearing the shoes.
A vast percentage of foot injuries come from sprained ankles.
The size of women’s feet have grown over the decades. Women’s feet were small in the 16th and 17th century, averaging around size 5 to 6. Today, over 30% of all women wear shoes that are a size 9 or above.
An American named Robert Wadlow holds the record for the largest feet at size 37.
Keds were the original American sneaker.
A woman can increase the way her derriere sticks out by as much as 25% by wearing high heels.
The 70’s disco era saw the invention of the high platform heel that could reach as much as 10″ in height.
Heels were put on cowboy boots to give the rider security in the saddle stirrup.
In Biblical times, sandals were often given to seal a bargain or an oath.
Be sure to check back for more Fun Facts and don’t forget to leave your ideas in the comment section below.
RESOURCE:
1001 Unbelievable Facts by Helen Otway; Arcturus Publishing Limited, 2010
