From arched feet to reading the soles of your shoes, the late 1800s held some strange beliefs about feet.
Look at Your Foot
It is said the hand indicates the degree of refinement, but it is not nearly so good a guide as the foot. Often a person will have a lovely face and hand, and the foot will betray the lack of aristocratic blood signified by the graceful fingers.
Arched Feet
A very small, arched foot tells of an arbitrary spirit, pride, elegance, and reserve. It is rarely seen except in the far east or in Spain. An arched foot is capable of more work than a flat one and in some countries a flat-footed man has no chance of becoming a soldier.
The Japanese foot has been praised for its strength and beauty. Japanese can walk incredible distances without feeling weary. They do not cramp their feet the way we westerners are apt to do.
Paper Shoes
Clothing made of paper is not so very new after all, for Pompeiian excavations have revealed shoes made of paper. These shoes would be cheap, light and waterproof, and the suggestion might be a good one to follow.
Reading the Soles of Shoes
Scarpology is the art of reading character from the shoe soles. According to a Swiss physician, a symmetrically worn heel and sole indicate an energetic, faithful, well-balanced character.
If the outer edge is worn off, the wearer is headstrong and willful.
If the inner edge is unduly worn the owner is feeble and irresolute.
If the toe and outer edge are equally rasped and ran down, the wearer is probably a thief.
This science is as yet undeveloped; but it is well known that changes in the bone structure affect the walk.
Source: The age-herald. (Birmingham, Ala.), 04 Jan. 1898.
