The Evolution of Human Foot Arch and Upright Locomotion.
A new study has found that the flexible arch in human feet helps reposition the ankle upright for more effective walking and running, rather than acting as a lever to propel the body forward. The evolution of the raised medial arch in human feet is crucial to bipedal walking, and the flexible arch could have been a selective pressure for efficient running. The study also suggests therapeutic potential for people with rigid arches due to injury or illness.