Science

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

Source: Phys.org · Published 4 Nov 2026, 23:10

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.

Key points

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

Key points

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