When walking

The functions of the feet are to bear the weight of the body and provide locomotion. While standing, the body is supported by both feet, and the weight is distributed between the foot pads and the heels. A human footprint shows precisely which parts of the foot support the weight of the body. The toes do not make much contact with the ground, but they provide balance.

When walking, the complete weight of the body is placed on the heel during each step, and as the body moves forward, the weight shifts to the ball of the foot, and finally, to the toes. A running gait generally involves landing on the ball of the foot and not the heel. This allows the calf muscles to dampen the shock. Vigorous activities, like running or jumping, place additional pressure on the feet which may be equivalent to several times the body weight.