Wearing Shoes Bad For your Health? 66

Posted by CmdrTaco on Friday April 01, 2005 @05:15PM from the everything-else-is dept.

Loafer writes "Are American sneakers--not American fast food--actually responsible for the obesity epidemic? It may seem like a laughable notion at first; however, not even the best nutritionists, working hard over the last century, have successfully identified a diet that permanently controls morbid obesity. Evidently, something else, besides food, is hindering the ability of overweight Americans to lose excess weight. Well, obesity is extremely rare in Japan, and the Japanese practice the custom of removing their shoes upon entering a home, office, or restaurant, replacing them with more-comfortable slippers, socks, or simply bare feet. Yet in the United States, where obesity is visibly widespread, shoes are worn constantly. Indeed, footwear appears to be a cause of disease in humans."

Wearing Shoes Bad For your Health?

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Idea (Score:2, Funny)

by ClownsScareMe ( 840001 ) writes:

Soleless Shoes. Think about it.
- Re:Idea (Score:2)
  
  by Black Copter Control ( 464012 ) writes:
  
  I'd always said that Microsoft was the only company that had managed to get people to pay hundreds -- even thousands of dollars for pretty much nothing (OK: them and Brazillian bikini manufacturers, but then it's not the bikini you're paying for, it's everything else it's not covering)
  In any case, this might just be the next big non-existing consumer item...
  $75 for a Nike label on a string, anybody?
  - Ignorance IS bliss! (Score:2)
    
    by ShaniaTwain ( 197446 ) writes:
    
    just get these [popealien.com], and then dont think about it.
  - Re:Idea (Score:2)
    
    by Black Copter Control ( 464012 ) writes:
    
    OK: them and Brazillian bikini manufacturers, but then it's not the bikini you're paying for, it's everything else it's _not_ covering
    (( Do NOT click on this link! [bcgreen.com] ))
    - Re:Idea (Score:2)
      
      by fbjon ( 692006 ) writes:
      
      Whoa, that's a good link!
- Re:Idea (Score:2)
  
  by temojen ( 678985 ) writes:
  
  I hate it when there's fish in my shoes. Soleless shoes are a great idea.
TEH GOGGLES! THEY DO NOTHING!! (Score:2)

by Jakhel ( 808204 ) writes:

AARRRRGGGHHH!!! My eyes are bleeding thanks to these bad jokes!!
Comfort (Score:2, Funny)

by cartzworth ( 709639 ) writes:

Maybe the shoes that fat people are wearing are what make it comfortable to be fat.

With out shoes the only natural option would be to lose weight.

I only wear Birkenstock clogs/sandals.
- Idle Thought... (Score:1)
  
  by ackthpt ( 218170 ) * writes:
  
  Maybe the shoes that fat people are wearing are what make it comfortable to be fat. With out shoes the only natural option would be to lose weight. I only wear Birkenstock clogs/sandals.
  Cover floor with sharp spiky things, like broken glass. The less you weigh, the lest it presses into the bottoms of your feet.
  On a serious note: wearing sneakers most of your life makes it rather painful to switch to boots or hard leather shoes.
  I like sandals in the summer, but there's just something ewww about wear
Question for the observant (Score:2, Insightful)

by jilbert ( 520628 ) writes:

Has anyone spotted the non-April fool's story on Slashdot today?
- Re:Question for the observant (Score:1)
  
  by tsioc ( 787745 ) writes:
  
  Yagoohoogle
Guys.. (Score:5, Insightful)

by Dogers ( 446369 ) writes: on Friday April 01, 2005 @05:17PM (#12115525)

Okay, seriously, enough. Give up. People arent visiting the site anymore, look at the number of comments.. 200+, 160, 90, 30, none.

Lets have some regular slashdot news now, yeah?

- Re:Guys.. (Score:2)
  
  by mobby_6kl ( 668092 ) writes:
  
  Stop refreshing the main page every 10 seconds if you know you won't like what you'll see, and come back tomorrow.
Riiiiight (Score:4, Insightful)

by MudButt ( 853616 ) writes: on Friday April 01, 2005 @05:17PM (#12115531)

And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that we'll drive for 45 minutes in a parking lot so we don't have to walk an extra 12 feet.

Shoes? (Score:1)

by kyleinc ( 738929 ) writes:

I don't see a connection. So what if Americans wear shoes more often? There are other factors that make us different from the Japanese. You can't just single out one difference and blame it for obesity.
I wore shoes all through childhood... (Score:2)

by Dutchmaan ( 442553 ) writes:

..and I kept GAINING WEIGHT! So it MUST be true!
the alternative (Score:1)

by leroybrown ( 136516 ) writes:

i'd rather risk getting fat than getting a nail in the foot.
it's true (Score:1, Funny)

by johnnyR ( 211170 ) writes:

I weighed myself with my shoes on and then with them off, I lost a pound!!!!!! It really works!!!!
GO LOGIC! (Score:2, Insightful)

by Anonymous Coward writes:

Japanese arent obese... because they dont wear shoes. There hasnt been a terrorist attack since 9/11.. because of the department of homeland security. I havent been attacked by any tigers lately because... I have switched my shampoo to head and shoulders. Yes, this is a leap in logic Yes, i will get flaimed
- Re:GO LOGIC! (Score:2)
  
  by fbjon ( 692006 ) writes:
  
  I make sure to eat my anti-asteroid pill every day. Ain't nothin' hit me yet.
The footbone is connected to the immune system. (Score:2, Insightful)

by tyman ( 831421 ) writes:

The purpose of Shoebusters.com is to stimulate interest, discussion, and research about the effects of shoes and socks on major human illnesses and conditions such as obesity, depression, fatigue, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and even the common cold, to name but a handful.

Maybe, just maybe there could be a connection between arthritis, fatigue and maybe depression caused by really ugly shoes. But since when are the systems in the h
- Re:The footbone is connected to the immune system. (Score:2)
  
  by fbjon ( 692006 ) writes:
  
  Actually, zone therapists [onepairoffeet.co.uk] might have something to say about that. Somewhat similar to acupuncture, but more dubious, I think.
  And while I'm venturing off-topic, foot massage can be really good, I've noticed. If you like walking barefoot you might want to try.
  And back OT. I support the idea of collecting all the random fool's-stories from other places into one article at the end of the day. Only clever or witty ones should be in articles, or even better, a slashdot joke of some sort. Like, "Microsoft has boug
- Re:The footbone is connected to the immune system. (Score:1)
  
  by trons ( 531753 ) writes:
  
  Ever smelled that smell.. smelly feet? Where do you think that comes from? It's nothing but toxins trying to exit your body... You sweat about half a pint per foot per day, and those shoes just absorb it while your body heat keeps it warm. That must be very healthy, no wonder it smells so good. Why do people have deformed feet, bear claws so to speak? It's because their shoes keep their feet in a specific form, the shape of the shoe. How many people are there that don't have the 4th and/or 5th toe curled d
Canadians don't where shoes in the house either (Score:1)

by mre5565 ( 305546 ) writes:

Plenty of fat Canucks.
- Re:Canadians don't where shoes in the house either (Score:1)
  
  by whitehatlurker ( 867714 ) writes:
  
  Plenty of fat Canucks.
  Hey! Oh, okay, I guess you're right. If I could see my feet, I'm probably not wearing shoes now.
In a study released by Hillbilly Scientists... (Score:2)

by ishmalius ( 153450 ) writes:

Don't Tread On Us! At least not with your evil leather-clad feet.
Well (Score:3, Insightful)

by metlin ( 258108 ) writes: on Friday April 01, 2005 @05:23PM (#12115609) Journal

This study sounds like Michael Crichton's Caltech on Aliens cause Global Warming [crichton-official.com].

Hey, if you can correlate any two events without providing proof and can even claim it to be valid science, the shoe-argument is fair enough.

Jumped the Shark... (Score:1)

by AzBats ( 666888 ) writes:

Slashdot officially has...
Without shoes (Score:2, Insightful)

by crywolf ( 445243 ) writes:

how am I going to keep my iPod Socks [slashdot.org] from getting damaged?
This would be the perfect article... (Score:2)

by JasonMaggini ( 190142 ) writes:

for the "Funny" icon. Not because it is, though. It's just the right icon.
mispost? (Score:1)

by viva_fourier ( 232973 ) writes:

rather than science.slashdot.org, this one might have been better sorted as steaming_pile.slashdot.org
wait, there's more! (Score:1)

by Cska Sofia ( 705257 ) writes:

And for the suit that has everything, Executve Pong [thinkgeek.com].
And most of us thought it was cause we drive (Score:4, Insightful)

by WillAffleck ( 42386 ) writes: on Friday April 01, 2005 @05:29PM (#12115703)

While it may depend on the shoe - for example, Earth Shoes - in fact, sandals appear to be the best footwear for practical use.

But, if you insist on wearing western-style shoes, the practice of taking them off on entering a home not only will help your feet, it will reduce the amount of dirt, microbes, and dust mites that enter your domicile.

Also, since most American women's shoe sizes are two sizes too small for their actual feet, this can have a major impact just in reducing cramping into too small spaces.

- Re:And most of us thought it was cause we drive (Score:2)
  
  by Carnildo ( 712617 ) writes:
  
  In terms of what's best for your feet, moccasins beat sandals, but not by much. Both offer protection against sharp objects and stubbing one's toes, without working against the natural shape and movement of your feet, but moccasins give you a better feel for the ground.
  - Re:And most of us thought it was cause we drive (Score:1)
    
    by WillAffleck ( 42386 ) writes:
    
    In terms of what's best for your feet, moccasins beat sandals, but not by much. Both offer protection against sharp objects and stubbing one's toes, without working against the natural shape and movement of your feet, but moccasins give you a better feel for the ground.
    
    True, and that's useful in mountain climbing and in hilly areas, but for most modern city and suburban dwellers, it really isn't that important, so sandals are still a better choice.
    
    Just don't get those platform sandals, the strappy kind -
RTA (Score:1)

by Orpheus Liar ( 157914 ) * writes:

This falls under the "not actually a joke" section of today's Slashdot. Read the article - it's actually kind of interesting and the pictures of the feet non-shoe wearing native tribes vs. the pictures of the shoe wearing are really striking. Comparing my own feet to the pictures of the un-shod is pretty striking too - and all of a sudden my cramped dogs are feeling kinda crummy.
- Re:RTA (Score:1)
  
  by VoidWraith ( 797276 ) writes:
  
  I can vouch for that, but of course, they extrapolate it way too far.
joke? (Score:1)

by tsioc ( 787745 ) writes:

this is just ridiculous... the ONLY way to control obesity is to take in fewer calories than you burn in your daily life. EAT LESS AND EXERCISE MORE! it works.
Canada (Score:1)

by mincognito ( 839071 ) writes:

Us Canadians also remove our shoes before entering our homes. I knew it kept our floors cleaner and I, for one, am happy to learn that it has the added bonus of keeping us thin. That makes a lot of sense somehow. I think it's safe to say that this is the one "real" April Fool's day story we've all been waiting for.
Obesity? (Score:1)

by booyabazooka ( 833351 ) writes:

Funny that the article only minutely mentions obesity a few times, yet the Slashdot summary seems to say "shoes make us fat"...
Go shoeless! (Score:1)

by Locke2005 ( 849178 ) writes:

Yeah, 'cause stepping in dog poop barefoot is good for you!
WTF (Score:1)

by Paiway ( 842782 ) writes:

What the fuck is wrong with you, editors? This is so not funny, my mouse just tried to strange itself with its own cord.
Japan was the only country... (Score:3, Insightful)

by sharkb8 ( 723587 ) writes: on Friday April 01, 2005 @05:38PM (#12115842)

Japan was the only country to bomb Pearl Harbor. Maybe if we bombed Pearl Harbor ourselves, we'd all lose weight?

How 'bout if we nuked ourselves (twice). Would we all miraculously lose weight?

Bad shoe wearers! (Score:1)

by DriveDog ( 822962 ) writes:

Personal health aside, people who never have their feet in contact with Mother Earth do a lot of ugly things to her!
Completely wrong. (Score:1)

by Mediocre At Best ( 872710 ) writes:

The people that shop at K-Mart don't wear shoes, and they're quite fat.
Exactly what I've been trying to tell people! (Score:1)

by frazzydee ( 731240 ) * writes:

Nobody ever listens to me when I tell them things like this! Want to live forever? Here's a good way of increasing your chances:
Most people die in their beds; obviously, beds are a major cause of death. So sleep in a sleeping bag! Or on the floor! Heck, I'd bet you'd even have a better chance in the coffin.
Perhaps its the automobile.. ? ? (Score:1)

by the_REAL_sam ( 670858 ) writes:

the automobile would account for alot of obesity, i suspect, given the amount of short distance walking it has replaced.
The irony (Score:2)

by DamienMcKenna ( 181101 ) writes:

The ironic thing is that shoes can cause health problems, mainly muscle problems (cramping, aching) from the feet to the back. But of course the OSHA would prefer you to wear shoes to work incase a wall falls down and damages your pinkie incase you might sue. Bah.

Damien
Sharon Corr Wears Jimmy Choos (Score:2)

by Master of Transhuman ( 597628 ) writes:

And I personally am thankful for it.

And any hot woman who wears boots gets my eternal gratitude - and a good screw if she wants.

There may be more comments in this discussion. Without JavaScript enabled, you might want to turn on Classic Discussion System in your preferences instead.

Idea (Score:2, Funny)

Re:Idea (Score:2)

Ignorance IS bliss! (Score:2)

Re:Idea (Score:2)

Re:Idea (Score:2)

Re:Idea (Score:2)

TEH GOGGLES! THEY DO NOTHING!! (Score:2)

Comfort (Score:2, Funny)

Idle Thought... (Score:1)

Question for the observant (Score:2, Insightful)

Re:Question for the observant (Score:1)

Guys.. (Score:5, Insightful)

Re:Guys.. (Score:2)

Riiiiight (Score:4, Insightful)

Shoes? (Score:1)

I wore shoes all through childhood... (Score:2)

the alternative (Score:1)

it's true (Score:1, Funny)

GO LOGIC! (Score:2, Insightful)

Re:GO LOGIC! (Score:2)

The footbone is connected to the immune system. (Score:2, Insightful)

Re:The footbone is connected to the immune system. (Score:2)

Re:The footbone is connected to the immune system. (Score:1)

Canadians don't where shoes in the house either (Score:1)

Re:Canadians don't where shoes in the house either (Score:1)

In a study released by Hillbilly Scientists... (Score:2)

Well (Score:3, Insightful)

Jumped the Shark... (Score:1)

Without shoes (Score:2, Insightful)

This would be the perfect article... (Score:2)

mispost? (Score:1)

wait, there's more! (Score:1)

And most of us thought it was cause we drive (Score:4, Insightful)

Re:And most of us thought it was cause we drive (Score:2)

Re:And most of us thought it was cause we drive (Score:1)

RTA (Score:1)

Re:RTA (Score:1)

joke? (Score:1)

Canada (Score:1)

Obesity? (Score:1)

Go shoeless! (Score:1)

WTF (Score:1)

Japan was the only country... (Score:3, Insightful)

Bad shoe wearers! (Score:1)

Completely wrong. (Score:1)

Exactly what I've been trying to tell people! (Score:1)

Perhaps its the automobile.. ? ? (Score:1)

The irony (Score:2)

Sharon Corr Wears Jimmy Choos (Score:2)

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