This zone sits on the outer posterior edge of the heel bone, the lateral calcaneus, and is the most common contact point during untrained heel strikes and pronated standing.
Initial contact point for many walking patterns
Primary location for heel wear on shoes
Underlies the calcaneal tuberosity (lateral portion)
Receives no direct muscular control
| Structure | Type | Action | Relevance |
|-----------|------|--------|-----------|
| Peroneus longus tendon (nearby) | Tendon | Everts foot | Adjacent, not direct |
| Lateral calcaneal ligaments | Ligament | Stabilizes ankle | Passive protection only |
| Fat pad (lateral portion) | Tissue | Shock absorption | Primary defense |
Very stable for lateral load-bearing
Prone to collapse under medial torque
Poor feedback and proprioception
Tendency to cause ankle eversion under stress
Torque Handling: ⚠️ Limited (resists lateral, not medial)
Muscle Support: ❌ None
Feedback Quality: ❌ Poor
Stability: 🟡 Moderate (good for stillness, not for agility)
Rarely used intentionally in poise
Seen during errors or unstable heel landings
Contributes to ankle rollouts and loss of verticality
“1,3 is where you land when things went a bit sideways.”
Zone 1,3 is the fallback zone — present in everyday walking, but rarely used in poised, elevated dance. Strong enough for stillness, but not built for finesse.