Freakonomics Radio These Shoes Are Killing Me! (Ep. 296 Rebroadcast)
May 20, 2021
Elizabeth Semelhack, a shoe history expert, joins Harvard scholars Dan Lieberman and Irene Davis, along with podiatrist Howard Osterman, to explore the evolution and impact of footwear on human health. They challenge the idea that shoes are essential, discussing the benefits of barefoot running and the health risks of modern designs. Topics range from the historical roots of shoe fashion to the anatomy of our feet and their untapped capabilities. The conversation reveals how footwear choices affect foot health and well-being.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shoe Overcorrection?
- Modern shoes may represent an overcorrection for foot protection.
- Stephen Dubner questions if shoes compensate for an evolutionary flaw in human feet.
Unnecessary Support?
- We've convinced ourselves that our feet need excessive cushioning and support.
- This belief contrasts with how humans ran for most of their evolutionary history.
Foot Binding
- Consistent footwear use has modified our feet, similar to Chinese foot binding.
- Our feet would be larger and more splayed without shoes.