Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 28.djvu/411

Rh tion the toes are usually packed in a tight, medium-pointed boot; it is only therefore in action as the toes are pressed against the ground that the full extent of the approximation to a straight inner line is seen.

In the boot it is of first importance that the sole (technically, the part in front of the hollow or "waist") should allow the great-toe to occupy its natural position; it must, therefore, be straight, or nearly so, on the inner margin; but it is of little use to provide the room thus given unless it be occupied; the foot must be invited to occupy it by giving plenty of room in the upper leather on this side. It is obvious that where a flexible material is fixed on both sides and left loose between, it can be drawn farthest from the surface to which it is attached, in a line midway between the fixed parts. For this reason the highest part of the foot, which is on the inner side, will, in any case, have some tendency to go to the middle line of the boot where most room can be made; this tendency is largely and needlessly aggravated by the high ridge of the last being along the middle line instead of being on the inner margin. But not only ought the room there given to be much more according as the foot projects the more upward; it ought to be proportionally more. I have insisted that the foot does not lengthen in walking, but rather shortens. This shortening, due to the powerful action of the long flexors, causes the foot to rise across the middle, the rising being almost entirely on the inner side. Here, therefore, over (not by the side of) the ball of the great-toe is special room required. The lateral thrust, too, already spoken of as consequent on turning out the toes, tends much to displace the foot and to throw it against the outside of the boot. Toe-caps also are objectionable, as giving the most room in the middle line and inviting the great-toe to occupy that position.

No useful or ornamental purpose is served by leaving space unoccupied round the outer margin of the sole opposite the little toes, as if it were necessary to make the two sides of the boot to match. No angle existing in nature, none should be represented; the outline of the sole of the boot should conform to that of the foot.

If it be true, as already stated, that grace in walking, as well as free propulsion of the body onward, and maintenance of the arch in walking, are all due to the free action of the flexor muscles, letting the heel down with gentleness and precision, and raising it with firmness and vigor, it follows that none of these can be if the boot prevent the heel from going down, a necessary antecedent to springing up. A low heel, therefore, if any, is imperative. The perfect boot should have none. Nor can the free action of the flexor muscles have full effect, so as to draw the toes to the ground, if the sole be turned up at the toes, especially if it be a stiff one. Some turning up will come from walking, however good, but there is no reason why it should be aggravated by having the boot-last so. In it the sole should be flat to the end.