stages of the series of movements which constitute a step, the leg is seen to be extended stiffly from the hip, the toes pointing upwards at almost a right angle to the heel, the back of which rests on the ground; at the next stage the toes reach the ground, and if they are permitted to act properly, the great toe will be held firmly throughout its length on to the ground and form a firm basis of support for the weight of the body, while the small toes will grasp the ground, and the heel be lifted at the same time as the heel of the other foot is being advanced for the first movement of the next step. The various movements in walking follow each other so rapidly that we are quite unacquainted with them, hence when they are photographed they appear unnatural and even ridiculous.
Since the heels reach the ground first, they wear from the back, and hence it is desirable that the leather should be thicker at this part than at any other. To this real want may be attributed the use of heels which has developed into such an abuse; but although there is a real use for heels they should be used in moderation, being low, not much more than twice the thickness of the sole; they should be broad, and they should be placed so as to support the centre of gravity of the body. If placed too far forward or too far back the difficulty of walking and the fatigue of standing is greatly increased.
When the heels are high the body has to be bent forward as in the once familiar "Grecian bend," and this frequently leads to spinal curvature
