408 Mr Dowie's Observations on Boots and Shoes^ 



Their elasticity is obtained by the insertion of the elastic 

 material in the middle of the sole, and in the sides of the 

 upper part, in the form of gussets, Fig. 7. This elasticity per- 

 mits the foot to retain its concave form, so essential to firmness 

 in standing, Fig. 2. It allows the varying positions in walking 

 to be assumed, without checking the elastic motions of the foot, 

 with which the shoe is elongated when under pressure, as shewn 

 Fig. 2. And when the os calcis is raised by the levator muscles, 

 as shewn Fig. 3, no resistance is given, and the foot retains its 

 place in the boot or shoe, without motion backward and for- 

 ward^within it ; thus avoiding the friction which causes blister- 

 ing and inflammation of the heels and toes. 



In running, the fore part only of the boot or shoe touches 

 the ground, whereby an increase of speed is obtained ; and in 

 leaping, the toes only may rest on the ground and not the 

 zahole sole, which is attended with much danger. In dancing, 

 when the foot is bent in the direction from toe to heel, the shoe 

 contracts in length in proportion as the foot does, and when the 

 sole of the foot extends, that of the shoe does so also. 



As regards their durability, it may be observed, that as 

 there is no unequal strain on these boots and shoes, they wear 

 more equally ; the strain on the ordinary kind being in them 

 avoided, by the provision of the. elastic material in those places 

 requiring to yield, thus preventing the upper portion from 

 giving way before the sole has been worn. Owing to the foot 

 being planted in the same manner as if no covering were on 

 it, a larger surface of the heel comes in contact with the ground, 

 — the heel of the boot or shoe has therefore as it were a firmer 

 hold of the ground, while the wear is laid equally on the heel, 

 in place of on the outside corner, as is the case with the high- 

 heeled ones having the stiff waists. And, as the foot is per- 

 mitted to accommodate itself to the uneven surfaces of the 

 ground it has to tread upon, the wear on the sole part is more 

 equal, as the elastic portion in the waist allows the foot to roll 

 more easily on the balls of the toes, while the friction is much 

 diminished both on that j^art, and also at the point of the toe. J 



In the stifl* boots and shoes this friction is very great, the 

 lieight of the heel and stiffness of sole causing the outside of 



