The only form of shoe which is absolutely correct, then, is one allowing this amount of freedom to the toes—not alone to the great one, but to all. The form recommended by Dr. Meyer, which is represented in Fig. 6, like every other now made distorts the little toe, compelling it to turn under toward the middle of the foot, and giving it that peculiar twist that almost every one may notice in his own. [Illustration: FIG. 6.—SHAPE OF SOLE GIVEN IN “WHY THE SHOE PINCHES.”] This, however, is only a slight fault compared to the bending aside of the large toe, and is mentioned mainly to show that neither that form nor any other gives to _all_ the toes the freedom which properly belongs to them. The true standard form is one that will not compel _any_ of them to be cramped or bent aside, nor press injuriously upon any part of the foot; and to this form it should be the shoemaker’s endeavour to approximate as nearly as possible. But such a shape as would fulfil this requirement has never been realised since the days of the ancient sandal. And the problem for the shoemaker to solve is to create a covering that will give the freedom and ease of the old sandal, combined with neatness and elegance of fit, with protection from dirt, cold, and dampness; and with propriety and beauty throughout. It will be something considerably different from any now worn, and may tax his ingenuity to a greater extent than is supposed. Professor Meyer is right concerning the form of its sole at the _inside_; but the curve at the outside is too much like the common style to be exactly the right thing. There seems to be required a more abrupt curve at a point somewhat farther forward than where the widest part is usually found—a curve approaching more nearly to an obtuse angle, something like what is represented in Fig. 7. [Illustration: FIG. 7.] Thus, modifying, or adding to, the form of sole given by Dr. Meyer, we present it as the most perfect one we are now able to suggest, and one the correctness of which is confirmed by all the facts of anatomy, and by everything bearing upon the subject. As to what is theoretically right, then, we not only indorse all that is urged by the author quoted, but go farther, and claim for little toes, as well as great ones, the right to grow as straight as nature intended them, and to spread as freely as circumstances may require. There is a point, however—one of practice, not theory—upon which we may perhaps be said to partially disagree, and which will be explained farther on. It is designed now to show some of the bad results of a failure to conform the shape of the boot or shoe to that of the foot; and afterward to consider what can be done in the way of improvement. FOOTNOTES: