One-quarter of all the bones in your body are located in your feet.

The human foot is divided into three main parts called the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The hindfoot includes the heel bone, which is the largest bone in the foot. The midfoot has five smaller bones that create the arches. The forefoot contains five long bones and 14 smaller bones that make up your toes.This many bones allow the foot to change shape and absorb shock. When you walk or run, your feet handle forces that are two to three times your body weight. A thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes. This tissue works like a spring to save and release energy as you move.Humans evolved these complex feet about 4 million years ago to walk on two legs. The many joints between these bones let people walk on uneven ground without falling. Research shows that this design provides the balance needed for running and jumping. Your feet also have over 7,000 nerve endings to help you feel the ground.