Can your feet really hint at your financial fate? It might sound like something out of a carnival sideshow, but OnBuy.com’s Shoe Department took a deep dive into this toe-tally fascinating question.
They surveyed 5,468 Brits, matching foot types with annual earnings to see if our soles have a little say in our salaries. The results? Eye-opening.
Taking the top spot is the rare peasant foot—characterised by three toes of equal length. If you’re one of these unicorns, chances are you’re raking in a solid £45,000 a year, about 15% above the UK average.
Cas Paton, OnBuy’s CEO, attributes this financial edge to the “strategic thinking” and “consistency” often found in people with this foot type.
“People with a peasant foot are known for their strategic thinking and consistency – meticulously contemplating the pros and cons for both big and small decisions. These qualities allow for consistent and positive career growth, contributing to their financial success.”
Apparently, their knack for weighing options—big and small—helps them make steady, rewarding career moves.
Close behind is the square foot type, where all toes are evenly lined up. With an average income of £43,000, people with square feet seem to leap at opportunities without a second thought.
Paton maintains that this financial success is due to the fact “People with square feet are typically eager to seize every opportunity without hesitation – this adaptability and determination are key when looking for professional and financial growth.”
Then there’s the Greek foot, also known as the “flame foot,” where the second toe leads the way. People with this foot type earn about £42,000 a year.
According to Paton, “Despite being known for their hard work, those with widely separated toes are commonly driven by personal pursuits as opposed to their career and financial success.
Also known as the traveller’s foot, those with this foot type typically want to explore the world and learn about themselves – this is arguably why they are not amongst the highest earners.”
Not every foot type is padding the bank, though. The Roman foot (marked by inward-pointing toes) and the Egyptian foot (toes tapering in length) earn a bit below average, at £35,000 and £32,000, respectively.
Paton thinks this might be down to cautious tendencies in Roman-footed folks and a bit of dreamy distraction in those with Egyptian feet.
Paton comments that those with this foot type, also known as the ‘common foot’, “Are known to be cautious people so, much unlike those with square feet, sometimes too afraid to jump at opportunities, stalling their professional progression and subsequently their salary.”
And last on the earning ladder? The Simian foot. Recognizable by a tiny little toe and an inward-leaning big toe, this foot type brings in an average of £27,000.
Paton suggests that while Simian-footed people have a powerful presence, they might also find high-stress roles a bit overwhelming.
So, maybe there’s more to our feet than just keeping us upright. If nothing else, this survey adds a fun twist to how we think about those things at the ends of our legs.
Maybe next time you kick off your shoes, you’ll take a little pride—or a playful chuckle—in what your feet could be saying about your path to prosperity.