The Influence of Social Proof and the Significance of Footwear Choices

Social Proof: A Potent Influencer and Its Pitfalls

Social proof wields a substantial influence over our behavior. Humans are innately predisposed to consider the common as normal, assuming that what is widely practiced cannot be inherently bad. For instance, having Pop - Tarts for breakfast might seem like an acceptable choice, as it is a common practice. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential drawbacks of blindly following herd norms.

A cursory examination of history reveals numerous instances where adhering to such norms led to behaviors that, in hindsight, appear quite irrational.

Herd Norms and Their Propensity for Insanity

In the early 19th century, the consumption of whiskey was rampant among Americans, with individuals drinking from dawn till dusk. As Michael Pollan elaborates in The Omnivore’s Dilemma, an overabundance of corn led to a significant decrease in the price of corn whiskey, a situation that continues to have far - reaching consequences in various forms today. By 1820, as Pollan notes, “The average American was consuming half a pint of whiskey daily, amounting to over five gallons of spirits per year for every man, woman, and child in the nation. In contrast, the current figure is less than one gallon.”

Moreover, well into the 20th century, American schools regularly resorted to corporal punishment for student misbehavior. Tools such as the disciplines (chains - made whips) and flappers (rods with pear - shaped ends and holes designed to cause blisters) were commonly used. Looking beyond the United States, even more extreme norms are evident, such as traditional Chinese foot - binding. Until the 20th century, it was standard practice for young, high - status Chinese girls to have their feet broken, folded, and tightly bound, resulting in lifelong deformities.

While modern - day behaviors may not seem as extreme in comparison, it is still essential to identify and address pernicious trends to enhance the quality of life. One such overlooked trend is the impact of popular footwear on our well - being.

The Impact of Popular Footwear on Foot Health

As a high - school strength and conditioning coordinator, I frequently observe the long - term consequences of inadequate footwear. After years of wearing modern shoes, nearly every incoming freshman already contends with issues that can be traced back to their footwear choices.

What Popular Footwear May Do to Your Feet

These issues include problems that develop over time due to the unnatural constraints imposed by certain types of footwear. It is remarkable that, despite the significant investments many parents make in providing their children with an athletic edge, the importance of proper footwear is often overlooked.

Cheap and Readily Available Alternatives

What many fail to realize is that the most effective athletic benefits are both affordable and accessible. These include:

• Good nutrition

• Sound sleep habits

• Regular engagement in play

• Exposure to a diverse range of sports

• Footwear that enables natural foot movement during physical activities

Our feet serve as our primary point of contact with the world, acting as a vital feedback mechanism for movement within our environment.

Avoid Backless Footwear

The majority of footwear subjects our bodies to abnormal walking and movement conditions for extended periods.

• When the natural feedback from the foot is disrupted, forcing it into unnatural movement patterns, the entire body compensates. Over time, the body adopts less - favorable postures and movement patterns, with the resulting stress traveling up the kinetic chain.

• Many young athletes wear slide - in flip - flops, a popular style where the band encircles the foot rather than passing between the toes, allowing for sock - wearing. They often wear these throughout the school day.

• Despite my emphasis on athletes arriving at workouts properly prepared, many still show up in these slides and then change into athletic shoes, which are typically kept in a separate bag and only used during exercise.

• The effects of prolonged flip - flop wearing are readily apparent on an athlete's feet, including flat arches, feet turned outward, and highly immobile toes and ankles.

• For example, during the landmine kneeling hip extension to press, an exercise where athletes start in a kneeling position with their buttocks on their heels and toes curled, I am often astonished by how many athletes cannot flex their toes at all. Their toes remain rigidly fixed, with the tops of the toes pounding the ground instead of flexing back to create a powerful coiled position. Translating this to the playing field, it is clear how this can reduce ground - reactive power and increase the risk of injury.

Mobility expert Dr. Kelly Starrett recommends avoiding flip - flops or slide - on shoes that do not securely fit around the back of the heel. Backless shoes necessitate the big toe to clench with each step to prevent the shoe from slipping off. This clenching shortens the big toe, subsequently shortening the plantar fascia at the bottom of the foot, causing the calf muscles to contract and leading to a cascade of dysfunctions up the kinetic chain. Additionally, issues arise from walking on an elevated heel for extended periods. Our bodies function optimally when we respect the movement patterns developed over millions of years of human evolution. Until relatively recently, humans walked without arch support or elevated heels. However, most modern shoes feature a rigid sole and a heel raised higher than the forefoot, which, according to Starrett, “systematically shortens the heel cords.”

Prioritizing Foot Health Over Fashion

It is easy to downplay concerns regarding poor footwear. The adverse effects of improper footwear are less well - understood compared to those of poor nutrition, and the consequences are not immediately obvious. Additionally, shoe fashion holds significant importance for many children and parents alike.

However, when we disrupt the natural walking and running patterns, we set the stage for a lifetime of pain, injury, and limitations in enjoying physical movement. It has become all too common for active adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s to constantly grapple with back pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and numerous other ailments. This need not be the case.

Parenting Directives

Parents, in particular, play a crucial role in helping their children develop healthy movement patterns.

• Encourage children to remove their shoes indoors.

• Allow children to play barefoot outdoors, especially in natural environments. Historically, humans spent the majority of their lives barefoot in nature until very recently.

• Refrain from purchasing flip - flops, slides, or any shoes that do not secure to the back of the heel for your children.

• Avoid high - top shoes that restrict movement and reduce the need for the ankle to be stable, strong, and self - supportive. In my experience, basketball players often exhibit the most significant mobility issues, and I suspect that basketball shoes contribute to this problem.

• Steer clear of shoes with elevated heels, reserving cowboy boots for special occasions.

• Opt for minimalist shoes with flat soles. Starrett suggests choosing the lightest, most flexible, and flattest shoes available. Old - school Converse and Vans are often excellent choices, and there are also several reputable minimalist or barefoot shoe companies accessible online.

Initiating footwear changes becomes more challenging later in life when fashion becomes a more prominent consideration. Coaches can play a role by promoting pride among athletes for avoiding flip - flops and backless shoes, although this may be more difficult in southern climates or among individuals who place a higher value on fashion norms.

Similar to adopting a healthy diet, I recommend focusing not on what is being sacrificed but rather on discovering as many appealing and suitable footwear options as possible. Starting with flexibility and making it a goal to find footwear that you enjoy will likely lead to greater success in making positive changes. By concentrating on finding options you like, the process becomes more enjoyable.