Weak Ankles and Awkward Gaits.
TAKE the most recent fashion of shoes. The heel of the human being projects outward, or rather backward, and gives steadiness to "the sure and certain step of man." But fashion has decided that the heel of the boot or shoe shall get as near the center of the instep as possible. Instead of the weight of the body resting upon an arch, in the modern fine lady it rests upon pegs, with the toes in front which have to prevent the body from toppling over. Then the heel is so high that the foot rests upon the peg and the toes; the gait is about as elegant as if the lady were practicing walking upon stilts. In order to poise the body on these two points a bend forward is necessitated, which is regarded as the correct attitude of the "form divine." It is needless to say that there are few ankles which can stand this strain without yielding, and it is quite common to see young ladies walking along with their ankles twisting all ways, or perhaps with the sole of their shoe or boot escaping from under the foot and the side of the heel in contact with the ground. With such modern improvements on sandals (which allow the feet perfect freedom and play), the present mademoiselle, when she attempts to run, is a spectacle at which the gods—well not quite that, but at which her mother might well weep.—Good Words.