Foot Anatomy 101 (“Normal” vs “Natural”)

Posted on by ahorschig

When most scholars speak about the foot, they start by explaining the different anatomical parts and how they connect and work together. They will describe how there are 26 bones connected by 33 joints and held together by over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. 

This is part 2 of a series titled “Foot Pain (How To Fix ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ and Other Common Foot Problems)”  

Part 1: Introduction 

Part 2: Foot Anatomy 101 (Normal Vs Natural)  

Part 3: How Shoes Change Your Foot

Part 4: What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Part 5: How To Screen Your Foot Pain

Part 6: Foot Pain – The Rebuilding Process

Part 7: Foot Pain – Should You Wear Orthotics?

Part 8: Foot Pain – What About Steroid Shots? – Coming Soon…

To say the foot is a sophisticated and complex structure would be an understatement. During our day the foot must be flexible enough to navigate over uneven surfaces, mobile enough to absorb forces when landing from a jump, and strong enough to provide a stable foundation when squatting, deadlifting, or running. 

While there is nothing wrong with learning about the foot in this traditional textbook manner, I want to take a different approach. This starts by understanding the difference between “normal” and “natural.” 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “natural” as the ideal form and function stemming from nature and untouched by the influences of civilization and society. The word “normal” describes what we believe to be usual or common. Something can be “normal” but not necessarily “natural.” For example, it is very normal for children (especially in America) to eat cereal every morning for breakfast. However, a box of Cap’n Crunch is not natural (if you can find a cereal tree, please let me know…). 

So how does “normal” and “natural” relate to our feet and the injury/pain that can develop there? 

It all starts by understanding how your foot looked when you were just a baby. You see, when you were born your toes were the widest part of the entire foot. Don’t believe me? Go ask your mother or father if they still have your foot imprints that were made at the hospital soon after you were born. 

person holding baby s foot

When you look at a baby’s foot, each toe can be separated from the others. They are not crowded or pinched together. Also, the first and fifth toes are in direct alignment with the corresponding metatarsal bones of the foot. This “natural” shape would continue throughout our lives were it not for the types of shoes we wear.

Embed from Getty Images

In fact, there is actually a ton of research dating back to the early 1900’s that support this transformation. If you actually look in the right places you can easily find many scientific accounts describing the enormous differences in foot shape and function between those who grew up wearing shoes and those who didn’t.1-15 Many of us in industrialized countries wear shoes that unknowingly transform our foot and progressively alter it into an unnatural shape.

Unfortunately, many of us (including many in the medical field) are fundamentally unaware of this problem. Because doctors and other rehabilitation professionals rarely ever see a “natural” foot they can only base their recommendations through their comparison of one “normal” (already shoe-adapted) foot with another. 

Next week we’ll go over the three features of modern shoes that change your feet. 

Until next time,

Dr. Aaron Horschig, PT, DPT, CSCS, USAW

Dr. Kevin Sonthana, PT, DPT, CSCS

References: 

  1. Sim-Fook L, Hodgson AR. A comparison of foot forms among the non-shoe and shoe-wearing Chinese population. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1958 Oct;40-A(5):1058-62.
  2. Hoffmann P. Conclusions drawn from a comparative study of the feet of barefooted and shoe-wearing peoples. The American Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. 1905;s2-3(2):105-136. 
  3. James CS. Footprints and feet of natives of the Solomon Islands. The Lancet. 1939;234:1390-1394.
  4. Shine IB. Incidence of hallux valgus in partially shoe-wearing community. Br Med J. 1965;1(5451):1648-50. 
  5. Shulman SB. Survey in China and India of feet that have never worn shoes. The Journal of the National Association of Chiropodists. 1949;49:26-30. 
  6. Mafart B. Hallux valgus in a historical French population: paleopathological study of 605 first metatarsal bones. Joint Bone Spine. 2007 Mar;74(2):166-70.
  7. Mays SA. Paleopathological study of hallux valgus. Am J Phys Anthropol. 2005 Feb;126(2):139-49.
  8. Swallow A. The history of shoes. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol. 1987 Aug;1(2):413-29. 
  9. D’AoÛt, K., Pataky, T. C., Clercq, D. D., Aerts, P. 2009. The effects of habitual footwear use: foot shape and function in native barefoot walkers. Footwear Science, 1(2):81–94.
  10. Sachithanandam V, Joseph B. The influence of footwear on the prevalence of flat foot. A survey of 1846 skeletally mature persons. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1995 Mar;77(2):254-7.
  11. BARNETT CH. The normal orientation of the human hallux and the effect of footwear. J Anat. 1962;96(Pt 4):489-494.
  12. Kato T, Watanabe S. The etiology of hallux valgus in Japan. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1981 Jun;(157):78-81.
  13. Hollander K, de Villiers JE, Sehner S, Wegscheider K, Braumann KM, Venter R, Zech A. Growing-up (habitually) barefoot influences the development of foot and arch morphology in children and adolescents. Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 14;7(1):8079.
  14. Thomas B, Singh YL, Mullerpatan RP. Comparison of foot structure between urban and rural Indian school children. Physiother – J Indian Assoc Physiother. 2019;13:38-42. 
  15. Dittmar JM, Mitchell PD, Cessford C, Inskip SA, Robb JE. Fancy shoes and painful feet: hallux valgus and fracture risk in medieval Cambridge, England. International Journal of Paleopathology. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2021.04.012

Special thanks to Dr. Ray McClanahan from whom much of this information was first learned.

Published by

ahorschig

152 thoughts on “Foot Anatomy 101 (“Normal” vs “Natural”)”

  2. I enjoy pairing drinks with the mood. For casual dinners, I go with Sake or White Wine like Cloudy Bay. For more formal settings, Dom Perignon or Champagne adds sophistication. Late nights often call for something stronger—Whisky or aged Rum always hit the spot. Every drink brings a different kind of joy.

  3. A well-balanced weekend includes a little indulgence. Cloudy Bay is my go-to White Wine when I want something smooth and elegant. For dinners, Red Wine brings richness to the table. And when it’s time to unwind with friends, nothing beats a good Rum cocktail or a splash of Whisky by the fire.

  4. This isn’t just another grooming blog; it’s your go-to, street-savvy source for anything related to the fade haircut trend. Whether you’re wearing a tight low fade, playing with a mullet fade, or asking, “What is a fade haircut?” you’ve come to the perfect place.<a href="https://ut.co.uk.fadehaircut.co.uk” target=”_blank”>FadeHaircut.co.uk

  5. This isn’t just another grooming blog; it’s your go-to, street-savvy source for anything related to the fade haircut trend. Whether you’re wearing a tight low fade, playing with a mullet fade, or asking, “What is a href=”https://fadehaircut.co.uk?” you’ve come to the perfect place.

  6. **Foot Anatomy 101: “Normal” vs “Natural”**

    Modern footwear has reshaped what we consider “normal” foot anatomy—narrow toes, lifted heels, and rigid soles. In contrast, the *natural* foot—unaltered by shoes—is wider at the toes, with flexible arches and strong, grounded structure. This natural shape supports better balance, posture, and mobility. Many foot issues stem from years of wearing conventional shoes. Understanding the difference helps us choose footwear that mimics the barefoot experience and supports true foot health. To explore foot-friendly lifestyle ideas and resources, visit tocabocaapkmod.com

    Let your feet return to their natural, functional form—step by step.

  8. Really interesting read! The contrast between “natural” and “normal” foot structure makes so much sense—especially how modern habits reshape what we think is typical. It actually reminded me of something similar I noticed with AI tools like the Remini Wedding AI filter —it enhances and beautifies photos, but often in ways that don’t reflect someone’s natural look. It’s a great tool when used mindfully, but just like with footwear, it’s good to be aware of what’s real vs. what’s digitally “normal.”

  9. Really impressive article! The information you’ve shared is not only useful but also very well-explained. I’ve been exploring similar tools lately, and Terabox Apk stood out as a great option for enhanced storage features. Appreciate your effort—keep posting such great content!

  10. **Foot Anatomy 101: “Normal” vs “Natural”**

    Modern footwear has reshaped what we consider “normal” foot anatomy—narrow toes, lifted heels, and rigid soles. In contrast, the *natural* foot—unaltered by shoes—is wider at the toes, with flexible arches and strong, grounded structure. This natural shape supports better balance, posture, and mobility. Many foot issues stem from years of wearing conventional shoes. Understanding the difference helps us choose footwear that mimics the barefoot experience and supports true foot health. To explore foot-friendly lifestyle ideas and resources, visit

    globesim-registration.org

  11. Terabox is honestly a lifesaver! The free 1TB storage is more than enough for all my files, and it’s super easy to use. I love how smoothly it backs up everything—definitely one of the best cloud storage apps out there. For more information you can visit our website https://teraboxapk.info/

  12. EarthLink’s fiber plans offer blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance—perfect for streaming, gaming, and remote work. With transparent pricing and no data caps, it’s a smart pick for households craving seamless connectivity.

  13. Thank you for the clear and thoughtful explanation of foot anatomy in your article—comparing “normal” versus “natural” foot structure really highlights how footwear choices and movement patterns affect our biomechanics. The diagrams and insights on arches, toe splay, and mobility were especially enlightening!
    If you’re someone who stores training notes, anatomy reference files, or workshop videos on your PC, I highly recommend TeraBox For PC (https://ultraterabox.com/terabox-for-pc/). It offers secure cloud backup and seamless file organization—perfect for strength coaches, therapists, or fitness educators managing large digital libraries.

  14. Thank you for the clear and thoughtful explanation of foot anatomy in your article—comparing “normal” versus “natural” foot structure really highlights how footwear choices and movement patterns affect our biomechanics. The diagrams and insights on arches, toe splay, and mobility were especially enlightening!
    If you’re someone who stores training notes, anatomy reference files, or workshop videos on your PC, I highly recommend TeraBox For PC. It offers secure cloud backup and seamless file organization—perfect for strength coaches, therapists, or fitness educators managing large digital libraries.

  15. Wonderfully explained the article in depth detailed information just likecric hd provides all details of the cricket series, matches, and tournaments schedule, squad and upcoming FTPs.

  17. Really eye-opening breakdown of ‘normal’ vs ‘natural.’ I never thought about how much shoes actually change the shape of our feet over time—makes total sense when you compare to a baby’s foot!

  18. Dental Advice Today

    Root canal therapy can relieve pain, but it also brings side effects like swelling, gum tenderness, or infection if proper aftercare is ignored. Some patients may face tooth sensitivity for days after the procedure. Learning how to manage these issues helps recovery go smoothly. Dental Advice Today makes complex dental care easy to understand. Click on our website today to read safe aftercare tips and expert recommendations that ensure your root canal treatment works best.

  19. Great article on foot anatomy and natural movement! For those curious about enhancing images, check out Remini vs Topaz for a comparison of top AI photo enhancement tools. Both offer unique features depending on your needs.

  20. Really enjoyed your perspective on the difference between “normal” and “natural”—the cereal example made it click perfectly. 👌 It’s interesting how many habits we accept as “normal” in life, even though they aren’t necessarily the best for us long-term (like our feet adapting to shoes). I recently came across the same idea in personal finance: lots of people follow “normal” savings habits, but a more “natural” and intentional approach—like using a https://tspcalculators.net/

  21. Getting your documents attested in the UAE is a legal necessity for employment, higher education, family visas, or business purposes. Our professional attestation services UAE make the process simple, fast, and stress-free. With our reliable certificate attestation services in Dubai, you can be confident that your documents will be accepted by all government and private authorities across the UAE. Certificate attestation

  22. Unlike many other gaming platforms, raja game register offers real-money prizes through gameplay. Players can participate in various games and tournaments, with the opportunity to earn cash rewards based on their performance.

  23. Jalwa Game Login earning system is based on skill and competition. Players can win money by entering skill-based games or competitive tournaments, where the best performers walk away with substantial cash rewards.

  24. In the UAE, marriage certificate attestation is a legal requirement for anyone applying for family visas, dependent sponsorship, or immigration procedures. The process involves multiple steps, including home country attestation, UAE embassy attestation, and MOFA attestation in Dubai.

    Choosing professional certificate attestation services in Dubai ensures a smooth, quick, and reliable process. With expert help, you can save time, avoid confusion, and make sure your documents are legally valid in the UAE.
    marriage certificate attestation

  25. The platform offers a diverse range of Tc Lottery App where players can participate for free or with a small entry fee. In both cases, there are chances to win real money, making it an appealing option for both casual and serious gamers.

  26. For those looking to maximize their earnings, Tigro Club Game provides various competitive events with cash prizes. These tournaments draw in players from all over the world, all vying for the top spot and the accompanying rewards.

  27. Really informative breakdown — I like how this post distinguishes between “normal” and “natural” foot structure. It’s true that modern footwear often changes the way our feet function compared to how they were meant to move. I’ve been exploring tools that improve stability and flexibility through proper movement training, especially for gamers or those who sit for long hours. Interestingly, the balance and control we develop through small muscle training can also help with precision-based tasks — something I first noticed while tweaking scripts on , which oddly improved my focus on posture and mobility too.

  28. The flud app offers Android users a fast and simple way to download torrents directly to their devices. Its modern interface and powerful features make managing files effortless. With support for magnet links and custom download paths, it’s perfect for seamless mobile torrenting.

  29. This is such an enlightening post about the complexity of foot anatomy and the distinction between “normal” and “natural.” It’s fascinating how lifestyle and modern habits shape what we consider “normal.”

  30. Interior house painting cost
    The cost depends on the size of your home, paint quality, and labor charges. On average, homeowners spend between $2 to $6 per square foot for interior painting. A 2,000 sq. ft. house may cost around $3,000–$8,000. Using premium, washable paint ensures long-lasting color and smooth finish. Always compare painter quotes to find the best deal and quality workmanship for your home.

  31. This is such an eye-opening explanation! I’ve honestly never thought about the difference between “normal” and “natural” when it comes to our feet. It makes so much sense now why so many people develop foot pain later in life — we’re literally reshaping our feet from childhood with our shoes. Can’t wait to read part 3 about how shoes actually change our feet!

  32. Wow, this hit home. I’ve struggled with foot pain for years and always assumed it was just “normal.” After reading this, I realize how unnatural my foot shape has become from years of wearing tight shoes. I recently started going barefoot more often at home, and it’s amazing how my toes are starting to spread naturally again. Thank you for explaining this so clearly!

  33. Brilliantly written, Dr. Horschig and Dr. Sonthana. The distinction between normal and natural is such a crucial concept, especially for those of us in rehab and fitness. It’s a reminder that what’s common isn’t always ideal. This post really emphasizes the importance of restoring the foot’s original, natural function rather than just treating symptoms.

  37. It’s interesting how “normal” foot anatomy is often shaped by modern footwear, while the truly “natural” structure reflects how our feet function barefoot flexible, balanced, and strong. This reminds me of how developers test and refine gaming environments before public release. For instance, on https://theastutebetaserver.com/, gamers can explore Free Fire’s unreleased updates in a testing setup much like studying the natural function before finalizing what’s considered “normal.”

  38. UP Bhulekh helps landowners download important documents like khasra, khatauni and land maps. The portal is fast, secure and very convenient for users looking for accurate land details.

  39. MP Bhulekh has made land record management very efficient. People can check their land details anytime, reducing paperwork and eliminating the need to visit the patwari office repeatedly.

  40. UDISE Plus is an excellent initiative for strengthening India’s education monitoring system. It collects real-time data from schools, helping the government plan resources, track progress, and improve educational quality across all states.

  41. I find Samagra Portal extremely convenient. With a single Samagra ID, residents can check eligibility for social schemes, update their details, and access important government services online quickly and easily.

  42. This is a really insightful post about how our feet naturally develop and how modern shoes slowly change their shape over time. The distinction between “normal” and “natural” is especially important — so many people think their foot shape is normal simply because almost everyone’s feet have been altered by footwear.

    I found the comparison to a baby’s foot really eye-opening. It shows how our toes were originally widest at birth, but narrow shoes slowly force them into an unnatural position. The research you mentioned makes it even clearer how big the difference is between shoe-wearing and non-shoe-wearing populations.

    Posts like this help people understand the root cause of foot pain instead of only treating symptoms. For anyone looking for organized family records or ID details in India, here’s a useful resource:
    परिवार समग्र आईडी देखे.

    Great content — looking forward to the next part of the series!

  43. People enjoy NetherSX2 strong performance, though they caution that unofficial BIOS sources may expose devices to malware. Personal backups remain the safest solution, giving users full control over their files and reducing emulation problems.

  44. Sylvie’s transformation creates a powerful emotional impact on players as her reactions evolve based on compassion, time, and patience. The depth of storytelling makes teaching feeling download stand out among visual novels, offering a slow-paced yet meaningful experience that keeps fans returning to uncover every possible interaction and ending.

  45. It’s fascinating to explore how “normal” foot anatomy differs from natural variations our bodies adapt in subtle ways, just like how menus evolve to satisfy different tastes. Speaking of variety, I recently looked into Chicken Salad Chick’s offerings, and it’s impressive how they cater to diverse preferences with over a dozen unique flavors, from classic to spicy or fruity. For anyone curious about fresh, customizable meals at affordable prices, their updated 2025 menu is worth checking out: https://chickensaladschickmenu.com/

  46. It’s interesting how natural foot anatomy adapts over time, just like how menus change to match different tastes. The variety we see in daily life reminds me of Chicken Salad Chick’s menu, offering over a dozen flavors to satisfy every preference classic, spicy, or even fruity. This balance of choice and comfort feels similar to exploring content on https://tocabocamodi.com/, where you can always find something that fits your style and keeps things enjoyable.

  47. It’s interesting how natural foot anatomy adapts over time, just like how menus change to match different tastes. The variety we see in daily life reminds me of Chicken Salad Chick’s menu, offering over a dozen flavors to satisfy every preference classic, spicy, or even fruity. This balance of choice and comfort feels similar to exploring content on https://spotifymodsapks.com/, where you can always find something that fits your style and keeps things enjoyable.

  48. This article does a great job explaining foot anatomy and the difference between “normal” and truly natural alignment — it really makes you think about how our bodies are designed to move and why some common patterns might actually limit function. I especially liked how clear and practical the explanations are; it’s the kind of read that makes you pay more attention to your own posture and movement. It even got me thinking about other areas where thoughtful design matters — like when I was checking out https://tocabocaapkpro.com/old-versions/ and noticed how much better things feel when they’re made with intention and user experience in mind. Really informative and eye‑opening! 👣

  49. Spotify Mods APKs are modified versions of the Spotify app that claim to unlock premium-style features like ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and offline access without a subscription. These unofficial apps are not endorsed by Spotify and may carry security, privacy, or account-ban risks. Users should understand the legal and safety implications before installing such versions.
    spotifymodsapks.com

Leave a Reply to teraboxxapkCancel reply