TrackBarefoot FAQ
In this section we will try to answer all major questions about barefoot Shoes and foot health.
Pictures speaks thouand words ? Right ? What all thoughts you are getting after seeing this picture? Are you happy and comfirtable with your current footwear ? Do you have any kind of feet or back issues? You are may be wearing a wrong footwear :(
FAQs
Barefoot (or minimalist) shoes are so called because they allow your feet to move naturally, the way they would if actually barefoot. The defining features of a barefoot shoe are that they have a foot shaped wide toe box ,flexible sole, and no heel elevation (zero drop).
Most people wear shoes for long periods of time every day. So when those shoes squish your toes and limit your mobility, the effects are cumulative. On the other hand, barefoot shoes preserve your natural foot function and can keep you strong and mobile throughout your life – barefoot and minimalist shoes are for people who want to use their feet forever.
This answer is not very simple but in short "yes" definitely. But not immediately. It's a process and a belief on simple logic that my feet is wide and strong and thus my footwear should be wide and just for protection. A wider toe box is immediately more comfortable as you’re no longer squishing your toes. A thin, flat and flexible sole will ultimately be more comfortable as you strengthen your feet and return to a natural walking gait. But as many of us have weak feet as a result of the altering features of conventional shoes (like a lot of cushion, arch support, ankle support, raised heels), there may be a transition period where you experience some discomfort.
Barefoot shoes push back against the notion that all feet need to be supported. They do not have arch support because they are designed to let your feet move freely and naturally. In fact, arch support removes the opportunity for your feet to support themselves, which can actually weaken the intrinsic foot muscles. In much the same way that wearing a brace or cast on other body parts for too long weakens those areas.
While it may take time, even people who have been reliant on arch support may be able to strengthen and rehabilitate their feet so that they no longer need it. If you have preexisting foot conditions it’s best to consult a physician – some feet need to be supported at least temporarily.
It depends. Some people adopt to new changes soon and some take time. Every body is different so there is no common answer for all, but it generally takes 3-4 weeks to feel comfortable with your barefoot shoes which is not cushioned or having any external support. Gradual transition is recommended. If you’ve already been spending a lot of time barefoot, you may find the transition easy. If you’re more reliant on external support or intervention, it will likely take more time and effort. It’s important to listen to your body and feet through the process and go at your own pace.
For a long time it was believed that bunions were genetic and nothing could be done about them. But evidence increasingly shows that bunions might actually be fact caused by ill-fitting shoes and lifestyle. If identified and treated early, bunions can often be completely reversed.
The anatomically shaped toe box in barefoot shoes allows the toes to lay straight (instead of being squeezed together), preventing further deformity and giving the foot the opportunity to realign. In addition to barefoot shoes, toe spacers and foot exercises can also help to improve the condition. Many people find that their symptoms go away as their foot health improves, but it does not always completely reverse the bunion and you may need to consult a medical professional.
Some people may be more likely to develop bunions based on inherited traits, like foot shape and structure. So, out of two people wearing the same tight, narrow toe box shoes, only one may develop a bunion because they have a wider foot. The genetic foot-shape isn’t the problem, but that fact that they’re being squished into a shoe that’s too narrow. Shoes with a wide toe box are both a preventative measure and the best treatment once you do develop a bunion.
If you’ve already started to develop bunions, barefoot shoes, along with things like toe spacers and foot/toe exercises can help. In some severe cases, surgery may be needed, but that should be a last resort.
There is a commonly held belief in foot care that flat feet must be supported. But it’s unclear what exactly the definition of a flat foot is, and what complications it leads to. Arch support in traditional footwear does not teach you how to use your feet well and it doesn’t allow you to use your foot muscles, so it might actually hinder rather than help. Foot function is a much bigger indicator of success than the height of your arch. As long as there is no pain, dysfunction, or underlying pathologies, then both kids and adults can wear barefoot shoes even with flat feet.