Uliza kiatu

By Luke Kung’u

You may have heard the phrase ‘Uliza kiatu’ or ‘Ask my shoe’ or even heard songs on the same.

Maybe it reminds you of a situation you may have passed through or observed subconsciously? Well, you may have been right or wrong altogether. What is in it for a shoe wearer? The questions linger on and on; why this type and not the other?

Why do our ladies spend so much money and time to buy and determine the kind of shoe? At what ages are shoes a necessity? Walking barefoot is a style by itself but why should one walk barefoot? This is a broad topic and it goes dates back to old ages and societies.

Did you know that the earliest known shoes are sagebrush bark sandals dating from approximately 7000 or 8000 BC, found in the Fort Rock Cave in the US state of Oregon in 1938?

The world’s oldest leather shoe, made from a single piece of cowhide laced with a leather cord along seams at the front and back, was found in the Areni-1 cave complex in Armenia in 2008 and is believed to date to 3500 BC. Ötzi; the Iceman’s shoes, dating to 3300 BC, featured brown bearskin bases, deerskin side panels, and a bark-string net, which pulled tight around the foot (Dolores Monet).

Shoes improve the quality of life greatly preventing injury, especially when working in hazardous conditions such as in chemical industries, quarries, and most industries.

Shoes also help with the healing of chronic foot conditions for people suffering from diabetes in the prevention of injury and preservation of hard-to-heal wounds which in most instances lead to amputation.

Remember the jigger infestation witnessed in the early 1980s? Shoes were and still are, the number one remedy in the prevention of parasitic worm infestation that includes hookworms.

You may have heard that shoes make statements; the first impression is made by subconsciously checking on the shoe.

A well-polished shoe combined with needed credentials, a groomed body, and fitting clothes could land one that coveted job. That lady or gentleman you missed could all be because of the shoe you wore on that day. Fashionistas uphold that high heels are an expression of adulthood and sexuality; a sleek design with elongated legs as a means of attraction (rings a bell?).

Shoes aid in support and stability of our feet and it is always good to wear properly fitting shoes that help in aligning the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back to correct gait and improve posture.

Shoes prevent back, knee and foot pain by absorbing shock or pressure. Therefore it is good to replace shoes that no longer serve the intended purpose as this goes a long way in the maintenance of optimal foot conditions and protection.

Culturally, shoes are a show of social status; an extension of self

Shoes prevent back, knee and foot pain by absorbing shock or pressure. Therefore it is good to replace shoes that no longer serve the intended purpose as this goes a long way in the maintenance of optimal foot conditions and protection.

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ALLEOFFICESOLUTIONS

History of shoes as depicted in the above diagram

as well as enhanced perception (feel good). They are also extensively used in decorations for fashion; fashion shows are a profession and real business. In some cultures, walking barefoot is construed as freedom and an attachment to youthfulness and places.

Psychologically, they are a boost to the personality and development of adolescents; a sense of a jump from ordinary to the supernatural (magical transformation). Recall ‘Spiderman’ and the craze by children to look alike? It is all in the shoe! The rugged appearance elicits emotions of freedom, strong personality strength and independence.

After all, is said and done, life generally has been rendered a lot easier with shoes and we are forever indebted to the invention of the shoe. We feel safer, more expressive with improved performance; can travel further as well as aid in overall health. The shoe is the ultimate gamechanger.

PHOTO | STOCK In Choosing the right shoe, consider the following tips:

• The right shoe can help keep your feet healthy and your body safe from injury • Shoes should cushion and support your feet, feel comfortable and fit well • Shop for shoes when your feet are at their largest – at the end of the day or after exercise • Get your feet measured every time you buy shoes– it is common for one foot to be larger than the other, and your foot size and shape can change as you age • If you play a sport, choose a shoe designed for that sport

Talk to our healthcare professionals about any problems with your feet or footwear.

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Ötzi; the Iceman’s shoe