FORCES UNDER THE FOOT

1. A method is described for measurement of the vertical load carried by different areas of the foot while walking barefoot. The results of tests on fourteen subjects, seven with some foot abnormality, are reported. 2. The results show that the load carried by the normal midfoot is low. Measurements in this area could be useful in the quantitative assessment of some foot abnormalities. 3. Considerable variation between individuals is seen in the distribution of vertical load across the forefoot. The metatarsal bones do not necessarily carry loads in proportion to their size.