# Neanderthal heel bones were shorter, wider and taller than in Homo sapiens, 3D study finds

- Published: 2026-11-05 09:39 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biology & biochemistry
- Tags: Neanderthal heel, calcaneus shape, geometric morphometrics, foot pronation, longitudinal arch, University of Bologna, Journal of Human Evolution, Homo sapiens foot, footwear and skeleton
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-430ee792b84a531823018062_neanderthal_heel_bones/

**Researchers compared 7 Neanderthal and 64 Homo sapiens calcanei with 3D geometric morphometrics. The shapes suggest a habitually pronated foot and heavy load on the rearfoot.**

![Neanderthal heel bones were shorter, wider and taller than in Homo sapiens, 3D study finds](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/8f4b77b81c198dd6.jpg)
*Thilo Parg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0*

A team from the University of Bologna and partner institutions analysed the three-dimensional external shape of the calcaneus, the heel bone, in 7 Neanderthals and 64 Homo sapiens. The results were published in the Journal of Human Evolution [1]. The Homo sapiens sample ranged from Upper Pleistocene hunter-gatherers and Iron Age farmers to a post-industrial urban population from the Documented Human Osteological Collection of the Certosa Cemetery of Bologna. The work was led by Rita Sorrentino and coordinated by Maria Giovanna Belcastro.

## Calcaneus shape and size

The authors applied geometric morphometrics to digital models obtained with laser scans and computed tomography. They examined the whole bone and its subregions: the talar facets, the cuboid facet and the tuberosity [1]. Compared with H. sapiens, Neanderthal calcanei were shorter, wider and taller. According to the authors, these traits likely favoured load-bearing over the rearfoot and high mobility [1].

Similar but less pronounced traits appeared in highly mobile, unshod modern humans. Sedentary post-industrial populations had more gracile calcanei, which the authors link to footwear and reduced activity [1]. Belcastro said the robust heel reflects the overall Neanderthal body structure, with high muscular and bone mass and intense physical activity.

## Foot posture and arch

Neanderthals also kept ancestral features, such as a shorter sinus tarsi [1]. The shape of their subtalar joint and the orientation of the calcaneocuboid joint suggest a habitually pronated foot posture [1]. The lateral plantar process was reduced compared with H. sapiens, which implies differences in plantar ligament attachment and foot arch support [1].

Differences in the cuboid facet and tuberosity point to alternative strategies of foot stabilization and force transmission through the proximal tarsal joints. The authors link these to a different expression of the longitudinal arch, adapted to Neanderthal body mass and a high-activity lifestyle [1]. In the university's summary, this is described as a flat foot that reduced impact stress under heavy loads and gave stability on rough terrain.

The university release also notes that rigid-soled shoes tend to limit foot inversion and eversion, and treats the gracile post-industrial heel as a sign of reduced biomechanical stimulation. Belcastro said the results may help dialogue between evolutionary anthropology and clinical orthopaedics.

## Sources

1. [Journal of Human Evolution](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2026.103887)
2. [EurekAlert](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1150451)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-430ee792b84a531823018062_neanderthal_heel_bones/