Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, are designed to mimic the experience of walking or running barefoot, while still providing some protection for the soles of the feet. The theory behind these shoes is that they allow the foot to move more naturally, which can lead to improved foot health and overall well-being. In this text, we will explore the benefits of barefoot shoes, including how they can help strengthen the foot, cure bunions, relieve back pain, and treat flat feet.
One of the primary benefits of barefoot shoes is that they allow the foot to move more naturally. Conventional shoes often have a raised heel, which can alter the way the foot strikes the ground and put extra pressure on the knees and hips. In contrast, barefoot shoes have a flat sole that allows the foot to land more naturally, spreading the impact across the entire foot rather than concentrating it on one area.
When we walk, the pressure on each foot is about 1.5 times our body weight, and when we run, the pressure increases to 3-12 times our body weight. However, when we run in sports shoes, we mostly land on our heels, which causes 2-3 times more pressure on each foot than if we landed on the front of our feet – forefoot strike (when the ball of your foot hits the ground first).
Therefore, I believe it is very important to have proper body mechanics and avoid shoes that have a negative impact on the body.
Over 80% of runners suffer from injuries every year. Knee injuries are the most common, and are more frequent among those who land on their heels, which is usually due to modern footwear.
Furthermore, our feet have 26 bones, 33 joints, and 34 muscles, but modern shoes treat the foot as if it has only one bone. Additionally, modern shoes only support one joint and activate only 2 out of 34 muscles in the foot.
Barefoot shoes may help relieve bunion.
Barefoot shoes may also be helpful for people with bunions, a common foot condition that involves a bony bump on the side of the foot.
In conventional shoes, the narrow toe box can exacerbate this condition, putting pressure on the bunion and causing pain. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, have a wider toe box that allows the toes to splay naturally.
Barefoot shoes can help to relieve pressure on the bunion and promote healing. A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that people with bunions who switched to minimalist shoes experienced a reduction in pain and improved foot function.
Helpful for people with flat feet.
In addition, barefoot shoes may be helpful for people with flat feet, a condition in which the arch of the foot is lower than normal. In conventional shoes, the arch support can weaken the muscles in the foot and lead to further problems. Barefoot shoes, however, allow the foot to move more naturally and strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle. A study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that wearing minimalist shoes improved foot strength and flexibility in people with flat feet.
Traditional shoes with a lot of cushioning and arch support can actually weaken the muscles in your feet over time, which can make flat feet worse.
Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, allow your feet to move and flex naturally, which can help strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve your overall foot health.
However, it’s important to note that not all barefoot shoes are created equal, and some may not provide enough support for flat feet. If you have flat feet, you may want to look for barefoot shoes that offer a bit more structure and support, such as those with a wider toe box or a bit of arch support.
Could alleviate back pain.
Finally, barefoot shoes may be helpful for people with back pain. The foot is the foundation of the body, and problems with the foot can lead to compensations and imbalances in other areas of the body, including the back.
By allowing the foot to move more naturally, barefoot shoes can help to improve overall body alignment and reduce strain on the back.
A study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation found that wearing minimalist shoes reduced the frequency and severity of low back pain in people with chronic back pain.
Barefoot shoes can improve foot and ankle strength.
Research has shown that wearing minimalist shoes can lead to improved foot and ankle strength, as well as better balance and coordination.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that runners who wore minimalist shoes had greater foot and ankle strength than those who wore traditional running shoes.
Another study, published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, found that wearing minimalist shoes for just 10 weeks improved balance and proprioception (the ability to sense the position of one’s body) in recreational runners
In conclusion ...
Barefoot shoes offer several potential benefits for foot health and overall well-being. By allowing the foot to move more naturally, these shoes can improve foot and ankle strength, balance, and proprioception, as well as relieve pain from conditions such as bunions and flat feet. Additionally, barefoot shoes can help to improve overall body alignment and reduce strain on the back.
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of barefoot shoes, the existing evidence suggests that they may be a valuable tool for promoting foot health and preventing injury.
