LOL! I almost mentioned the waffle stompers. During my year abroad I had my Earth Shoes and my hiking boots, manufactured in Italy & having Vibram soles!

I just spent a week's vacation with a 5 year old whos parents are trying desperately to get him to put his heels down. By preference he'll walk just on his toes. I recall at least one other nephew who seemed to prefer being on his toes when little. I wonder what that does to the "it's natural" hypothesis.