VANITY "GOES TO THE FEET"

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22337, 26 February 1938, Page 21

VANITY "GOES TO THE FEET"

Footwear

USUALLY we say of a convicted person that something has "gone to his head." .But "gone* to his feet" would be more true to the facts. Human vanity is a major contributing factor to the foot disorders which afflict more than 75 per cent, of people and which stand in the way of a happier and more sturdy race, in the opinion of Dr. Maurice J. Lewi, head of the First Institute of Podiatry, in the United States, who has celebrated his eightieth birthday. Improper footwear is blamed by Dr. Lewi for much human suffering. He contends that high heels, narrow shoes which do not conform to the shape of the foot, and ill-fitting stockings and socks all tend to wreck the leg muscles and to foster surplus growths on the foot. Much of the situation responsible for this condition could be easily corrected if human vanity, which demands adherence to the latest styles, did not stand in the way.

The increasing popularity of flying and motor-car driving is responsible for two new types of foot troubles which are becoming more frequent. Dr. Lewi explains that these troubles are related to the muscles of the foot and persons suffering from them are said to be suf-

Many Disorders Traced to

fering from "flyer's foot' 'or "chaffeur's foot."

Dr. Lewi declares that about 90 per cent, of all foot troubles can be corrected if not neglected too long. The most frequent foot disorders are growths, such as corns and warts, disorders related to the improper functioning of the sweat glands, and weak feet resulting from mechanical maladjustments. A person suffering from a weak foot frequently falls a victim of fallen arches and flat feet.

Dr. Lewi says that if some concession to style is necessary, shoes with high heels could be worn a part of the time for dress occasions. However, for street and sport wear, shoes with a lower beel and of a sufficient size to be from one-half to three-quarters of an inch larger than the foot they are to encase, would add greatly to the comfort and health of the human race.

A shoe which, conforms to the shape of the foot, regardless of the demands of style and human vanity, allows the human foot "to breathe" and thereby promotes health. Starting in 1913 as the first project of the kind in the world, with only one room and 13 students, the First Institute of Podiatry has grown till it now has 217 students in a modern building. . ..