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Bipedalism is such a precarious way to get about that few species have settled on it. Yet, despite the absurdity of moving while trying to balance on two tiny platforms, we rarely give our steps a second thought. Perhaps we should.

Although we all walk more or less the same way, there is enough variation between individuals to easily tell people apart. Such differences could even be used as a biometric password.

Some quirks of gait can be problematic though. Small variations in leg swing can mean your heel hits the floor with enough force to damage the knee cartilage. Cases of knee osteoarthritis have doubled in the past 50 years, which some people say is too fast to be explained by longer lifespan or even rising obesity. In that period, though, shoes have become more supportive, which may encourage a more forceful stride. Walking barefoot, or in flat and flexible, minimalist shoes, reduces the stress on your knees. High heels, unsurprisingly, do the opposite.

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The way you walk can also affect your outlook. In experiments, people manipulated into walking with an “upbeat” gait remembered more positive words from a list, whereas those who walked with a “sad” gait remembered more negative words. Nearly anyone holding a smartphone is likely to walk with their gaze towards the floor. This not only slows you down, but risks neck strain and possible …