A few reasons come to mind— Fat Feet Hammertoes or bunions Plantar fasciitis Sprained or weak ankles Wide feet that don’t fit well into the pointy shoe beds Defective semicircular canals in their inner ears I think to be able to join the DC Drag Queen Race requires one to have strong ankles, the ability to be agile on their toes, narrow feet, and a strong abdominal core (for balance and control)... just guessing, honestly!