Take Off Your Shoes and Walk

In 1961 Simon J. Wikler, D.S.C. (Doctor of Surgical Chiropody)  published Take Off Your Shoes and Walk, a successful attempt to explain how modern shoes gradually acquired the characteristics that now prevent the foot from functioning naturally. Despite the persuasiveness of his argument, he is realistic about the difficulty of convincing his opponents that being barefoot, or as close to barefoot as possible, will enhance an individual’s health. In fact, the introduction, written by Thomas Hale, Jr., M.D. begins:

“People will believe most readily what they want to believe. If certain facts lead to conclusions which are unacceptable to the average individual, he is quite capable of ignoring those facts, or rationalizing them in such a way that they no longer pose a threat to his peace of mind. Nowhere can this human shortcoming be better illustrated than in the attitude most of us take toward the kind of shoes we wear.”

Unfortunately his words are as accurate today as they were more than a half century ago. As it is with any change in thinking or behavior, the facts of the case are often much less important than an individual’s psychology and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Change is much easier to comprehend as a concept, even as the fundamental aspect of life itself, than a requirement for one’s own advancement and improvement. As Leo Tolstoy wrote: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

Although Dr. Wikler’s book is out of print, this excerpt covers the major topics and is stored on the unshod.org website, where there are many other interesting articles.