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The Truth About Shoes: How Footwear Affects Your Entire Body

We all wear shoes, but how are they affecting our bodies? Your feet are the foundation of your body and how your feet move impacts the entire kinetic chain from your foot all the way up your spine. Choosing shoes that best support natural movement can support your overall physical health. 


First, let's define the general categories of shoes. Conventional (or normal) shoes have lots of cushioning, elevated heels (known as drop), arch support, narrow toe boxes, motion altering structures, and inflexible soles., Barefoot shoes are polar opposites to conventional shoes. Barefoot shoes feature minimal to no cushioning, zero drop, no arch support, wide toe boxes, unrestrictive design, and flexible soles., Minimalist shoes are like a hybrid between conventional and barefoot shoes and fall somewhere in the middle on each of these features.


Conventional shoes may be stylish, readily available, and highly protective, but they have several downsides that can cause long term effects. Walking around in a cushioned box does not allow your feet to move naturally, which weakens muscles over time. Heel drops, arch supports, and rigidity can all lead to changes in your natural gait and posture, which can lead to structural issues and pain due to the added stress placed on certain muscles and ligaments. Cramped feet and unnatural movement can compound with time and cause deformities and other podiatric issues. Wearing conventional shoes for extended periods could lead to more injuries due to impaired biomechanics.,,


Barefoot shoes offer several benefits and can correct any damage caused by wearing conventional shoes. Wearing barefoot shoes strengthens the foot, toe, and leg muscles by allowing full functional movement. This results in a lower risk of back and knee pain.


Proprioception, our sense of position, is significantly improved when wearing barefoot shoes since the wearer can feel the ground. Proprioception can make daily activities seem easier, because the body intuitively knows how to move in each situation. While it may seem that less cushion would increase impact, barefoot shoes actually decrease the impact on bones by allowing the foot to flex and absorb shock. Athletic performance can also improve when wearing barefoot shoes, since the foot has a full range of motion and enhanced feedback.,, After several months of wearing barefoot shoes, your feet will be much stronger and move naturally, creating a stable foundation for your body.


The drawbacks to barefoot shoes occur when transitioning from conventional shoes to barefoot shoes. If you do not allow your feet to slowly adapt to wearing barefoot shoes, you may experience foot pain and muscle soreness., The best way to begin wearing barefoot shoes is to start by wearing them 1 hour per day and slowly increase this time until you wear only barefoot shoes. Some situations may require barefoot shoes designed for more rugged terrains, but for most people barefoot shoes are perfect for daily activity and exercise. 


Explore our podcast to learn more about natural health. Schedule an appointment with Renewed Hope Nutrition for personalized natural health suggestions, functional lab interpretations, and nutritional support.



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