Page:Why the Shoe Pinches.djvu/27

 The distortion which thus arises in the foot is very important, for the almost rectangular triangle in which the toes naturally lie, is converted into an isosceles acute-angled triangle, and in this the toes are expected to find place. It is well if they can do so side by side, but this treatment is constantly giving rise to the most mischievous distortions, at first only manifested while the shoe is worn, but eventually becoming permanent. The accompanying outline (Fig. 9) represents a foot disfigured in this way;



it was drawn from nature, and with the exception of this distortion is perfectly sound; it is the foot of a comparatively young woman. Figure 10 exhibits the outline of this sole laid over the sole of a corresponding shoe; whilst Figure 11 represents the skeleton of a foot reduced to this condition.