The arch of our foot is an adaptation meant for something more than just better appearance. The arch’s curvature is flatten on mid-stance phase (in contact with ground) and most visible in pre-swing phase (elevated foot). The major functions it performs are-
•It dispenses the body weight proportionally across the areas which bear most of the weight
•Acts like a multi-segmented lever, enacting like a spring to push body forward while walking, running
•It helps absorb shock during jolt
•Helps in moving on irregular surfaces
•Protect vessels and nerves in foot
Flat foot is condition, congenital or aquired, in which a person doesn’t have the natural arch in foot, it can cause foot, ankle, and joint disorders as explained by @MONA1 in article From Foot To Hip: How Bad Shoe Soles Cause Big Problems
This simple adaptation should be protected and footwear which forces feet in unnatural positions like shoes with narrow toes, overflexible flats, footwear which lacks support and restricts movement should be avoided. We can make conscious decision keeping in account healthy gait and choose shoes which
• support the arch (matching natural curve)
• don’t restrict natural movements
• has wide toe box
• has proper heel- to - toe ratio or the hell to toe drop (can vary for different individuals)
Wrong footwear put strain on joints of ankles, knees, hip and lower back. It can cause severe damage in long run, making it extremely important to invest in quality footwear.
MBH/PS