When we talk about footwear, we often forget that the human foot has evolved for millennia without shoes. The foot is a complex structure that contains dozens of small bones and joints. Now, when the modern lifestyle requires us to protect our feet, it is important that we choose shoes that support the natural movement and structure of our feet. This is where barefoot shoes come into the picture! The purpose of this blog post is to familiarize you with the most important features of barefoot shoes and to help you think about whether barefoot shoes are also suitable for you.
1. Wide bar
Through evolution, our feet have been shaped in such a way that our toes naturally have room to move and spread. However, many traditional shoes are designed with narrow elastic, especially in the front, which can cause the toes to squeeze together. A narrow batten is often chosen mainly for aesthetic reasons. When the mass production of the shoe industry took off, aesthetics and general fashion standards began to guide the design of shoes more than practicality. A narrow last was considered femininely elegant, while a wide last was associated with masculine comfort.
An instep that is too narrow is not only uncomfortable, but it can also cause several foot problems, such as incorrect positions, weak bones and sore toenails. The wide last of barefoot shoes enables free movement of the toes, which improves the biomechanics and mobility of the foot. This helps not only to prevent foot problems, but also to support balance and overall foot function.
2. Thin and flexible base
There are more than 200,000 nerve endings in the soles and toes of a person, i.e. more than anywhere else in our body. These nerve endings detect the unevenness of the earth's surface and transmit information to the brain, helping to maintain balance and correct walking posture. Although the thick sole of a traditional shoe may feel comfortable on the foot, it dampens the connection with the ground and can limit the natural movement of the foot, which in the long run can affect our walking posture.
Thanks to the thin sole of the barefoot shoe, you can feel even the smallest unevenness of the ground. This activates the nerve endings of the sole of the foot and enhances the recognition of body position. The feeling is called proprioceptive, and thanks to it, the leg muscles are activated and strengthened.
3. No heel or tail interest - "zero drop"
The design of traditional shoes often emphasizes a raised heel, which can affect the posture and biomechanics of our entire body in many ways. As a result of a raised heel, the center of gravity of the body shifts forward, which can cause changes in the position of the pelvis and lower back. Long-term use of elevated shoes can also lead to changes in balance and muscle imbalances, which in turn can cause pain and strain, especially in the lower back, hips and knees.
In barefoot shoes, "zero drop" is preferred, which means that the sole of the shoe is the same thickness from heel to toe. Such a design allows for the natural position, balance and movement of the legs and the whole body. When the foot settles on the ground in its natural position, the load on the muscles and joints is distributed more evenly. This can help reduce overall strain and prevent painful conditions, while improving walking efficiency and comfort.
So why choose barefoot shoes?
When we compare barefoot shoes to traditional shoes, we quickly notice the differences. While "normal" shoes aim to protect and isolate the foot from the environment, barefoot shoes aim to enable natural movement. Their use not only helps in maintaining the health of the feet, but can also improve the body's overall posture and mobility.
In the end, the choice is yours. Do you want to support the natural movement and structure of your feet? If the answer is yes, then barefoot shoes are the right choice for you. However, remember to start using barefoot shoes in moderation, if the body has been used to traditional cushioning and movement-limiting shoes for years, you must give enough time for the change.
Find out more and find the barefoot shoes that suit your needs here.
If you need help or need more information, you can reach us by e-mail askaspalvelu@treenikamat.fi or by calling 050 466 7269 (working hours 10-18).