partial answer to my own question: I am guessing simians sweat
Also: Homicidal Squirrel, by that study, it almost seems to say that fallen arches are the eventual norm. Am I in the right thought path?
I haven't read those studies in quite some time, but from what I remember, no, I don't think so. I mean, maybe if everyone strapped on a pair of cushioned shoes and used a heel strike to land, then I guess eventually, yeah, the human foot could evolve so the norm would be fallen arches. However, I see that as very unlikely. That, and you know, it would take a really long time.
I think the point is that like anything else, if you don't use it, you lose it. What most people don't realize is that by wearing shoes that have a lot of cushioning they are actually supporting the arch of the foot, and thus not using it. Those shoes allow to you take a wider stride, and land your foot with a heel strike. If you use shoes that have a lot of cushioning, you should try to pay attention to how your foot lands when you walk or run. If you are like most people who wear those types of shoes, you'll notice hat your heel is the first thing that makes contact. Now take off your shoes and walk around barefoot. You should land your foot much softer, and either your mid-foot or fore-foot should be the first thing that makes contact. If you are still heel string, walk around a bit more and you'll notice that it hurts.
That's because your heel wasn't designed to take that kind of impact. Modern athletic shoes, though, are. So when you are running around with some clunky nikes with a thick sole, you'll be able to heel strike without any problem. You may have noticed that most of the cushioning in shoes tends to be in the heel area.
If you wear minimalist shoes, or go barefoot, you don't have all that cushioning. You're able to walk and run with better form. This is usually because your body will try to void pain. You'll end up changing your running gait, and you will avoid heel striking. You'll actually end up using the arches of your feet, which will strengthen them. Also, using minimalist shoes is a lot more fun. Depending on the shoes, you can get good ground feel. You'd be amazed how different walking and running feel when you can actually feel the terrain you are on.
