The Salish Sea Human Foot Discoveries

Since 2007, over 20 severed human feet in running shoes have washed ashore in the Salish Sea region between Washington State and British Columbia. The feet are always in shoes, always disarticulated from the body, and show no signs of foul play. Initially, theories included serial killers, human trafficking, or mafia dumping grounds. Forensic analysis revealed a simpler explanation: the feet belonged to people who died by drowning (suicides or accidents). Modern running shoes are buoyant and protective. As a body decomposes underwater, feet naturally separate at the ankle joint. The shoe protects the foot and causes it to float. Ocean currents carry them to shore. DNA testing identified several victims as missing persons. The mystery isn't why feet wash up—it's why it started happening in 2007. Answer: modern sneaker design became buoyant enough around that time. Before that, shoes didn't float. The Salish Sea foot mystery demonstrates how forensic science and material engineering intersect in unexpected ways.