Additionally, Omi explains that 'Ara' is an ancient word for iron and Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism-shamanism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts), which was actually involved in iron production using mountain iron sand and collecting other minerals, incorporated Arahabaki beliefs, and 'Habaki' is related to the 'Habaki' (shin guard) which Yamabushi (a mountain priest) considers holy and therefore Arahabaki eventually transformed into a 'god of feet,' considering 'your legs get better if you worship at the shrine.'
また近江は、「アラ」は鉄の古語であるということと、山砂鉄による製鉄や、その他の鉱物採取を実態としていた修験道はアラハバキ信仰を取り入れ、「ハバキ」は山伏が神聖視する「脛巾」に通じ、アラハバキはやがて「お参りすると足が良くなる」という「足神」様に変容していったと述べている。