Thursday, November 5, 2026
Science

Flat feet may have helped Neanderthals stay stable while carrying heavy loads

In all likelihood, the Neanderthals had flat feet. But it was not a defect at all. Instead, it was the consequence of a precise functional strategy to reduce impact stress under heavy loads and maximize stability on mountainous or rough terrain.

Flat feet may have helped Neanderthals stay stable while carrying heavy loads
Image: Phys.org
In all likelihood, the Neanderthals had flat feet. But it was not a defect at all. Instead, it was the consequence of a precise functional strategy to reduce impact stress under heavy loads and maximize stability on mountainous or rough terrain.

Originally published at Phys.org

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