When we talk about footwear, we often forget that the human foot has evolved without shoes for millennia. The foot is a complex structure that contains dozens of small bones and joints. Now that our modern lifestyle demands that we 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 introduce you to the most important features of barefoot shoes and help you consider whether barefoot shoes would be right for you.
1. Wide last
Our feet have evolved to naturally have room for our toes to move and spread. However, many traditional shoes are designed with narrow last, especially in the front, which can cause the toes to be squeezed together. Narrow last has often been chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons. As the shoe industry took off, aesthetics and general fashion norms began to guide shoe design more than practicality. Narrow last was perceived as feminine elegance, while wide last was associated with masculine comfort.
A last that is too narrow is not only uncomfortable, but can also cause a number of foot problems, such as poor posture, bunions, and sore toenails. The wide last of barefoot shoes allows for free movement of the toes, which improves the biomechanics and mobility of the foot. This not only helps prevent foot problems, but also supports balance and overall foot function.
2. Thin and flexible sole
The soles of the feet and toes of humans have over 200,000 nerve endings, more than anywhere else in our bodies. These nerve endings detect unevenness in the ground and relay information to the brain, helping us maintain balance and proper walking posture. While the thick sole of a traditional shoe may feel comfortable on the foot, it dampens the connection to the ground and can restrict the natural movement of the foot, which in the long run can affect our walking posture.
The thin sole of a barefoot shoe allows you to sense even the smallest unevenness in the ground. This activates the nerve endings in the sole of your foot and enhances your ability to sense your body's position. This sensation is called proprioception and it activates and strengthens the muscles in your legs.
3. No heel or ball of the foot - "zero drop"
Traditional shoe designs often emphasize a raised heel, which can affect our entire body’s posture and biomechanics in many ways. As a result of a raised heel, the body’s center of gravity shifts forward, which can cause changes in the position of the pelvis and lower back. Long-term use of raised 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.
Barefoot shoes favor a "zero drop" design, meaning the sole of the shoe is the same thickness from heel to toe. This design allows for natural foot and body alignment, balance, and movement. When the foot is placed 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 pain, 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 insulate the foot from the environment, barefoot shoes aim to allow natural movement. Wearing them not only helps maintain foot health, but can also improve the body's overall posture and mobility.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you want to support the natural movement and structure of your feet? If the answer is yes, barefoot shoes are the right choice for you. However, remember to start using barefoot shoes slowly, if your body has been used to traditional cushioning and movement-restricting shoes for years, you need to give it enough time to adjust.
Learn more and find the right barefoot shoes for your needs here.
If you need help or additional information, you can reach us by email at asiakaspalvelut@treenikamat.fi or by calling 050 466 7269 (weekdays 10-18).