And you thought I had big feet !!

One of the peculiarities of the PNG national's physiology is the size of their feet !  Where I come from people have been known to make fun of the size of mine. Well – eat your heart out. The fact is that my feet are relatively small – compared to what I have observed round here (as the photo above demonstrates – those that have not yet had the privilege to see either of my feet close-up…  that's my foot on the left!).

Over the generations the physiology of  us humans has a way of adapting itself to its environment. The feet of the PNG nationals, especially those of the Highlanders, are absolutely enormous. Not so much in length but certainly in width and girth. Has to be seen to be believed and it is not surprising that many in these neck of the woods get around barefoot. Where would they buy shoes to fit ?

So what sort of shoes would fit a foot such as the one above ?  (That's my foot on the right by the way)

My guess as to the reason why some of the folks round these parts have “Fred Flinstone” type feet is simply one word : environment. Just like folks from anywhere -  eventually the body adapts and after many generations of adapting certainly physical features will become pronounced. The fact is that PNG people walk a lot. Some times for days on end. With the geographic terrain being as rough as it is the feet of these Highlanders have “adjusted” very nicely. Their feet are perfect for walking those long distances between villages, over mountain ranges and on rough surfaces.

The human body is an incredible mechanism (some would say creation) that can and will adapt to most environments – no matter how harsh. Makes me wander what the human of the future will look like.