The first protective footwear for humanity may have been quite simple, but it definitely predates the Nike empire.
Researcher Erik Trinkaus at Washington University in St. Louis reports that the first sandals designed not just for foot comfort appeared around 26,000 to 30,000 years ago in the Eurasian region.
However, no such footwear has survived to this day. Nevertheless, Trinkaus has examined anatomical evidence from prehistoric humans and found a noticeable reduction in the strength of the little toes in Upper Paleolithic people.
“I discovered that the toe bones of ancient peoples were less robust compared to their ancestors, while the leg bones remained large and strong. The most reasonable explanation for this can only be attributed to the emergence of a type of sandal,” Trinkaus stated.
When walking barefoot, the little toe is often bent to keep the foot bones strong. Footwear reduces the functional role of the little toe, consequently leading to its weakening.
