Are Barefoot Shoes Healthy For You?

Barefoot shoes may seem like a concept that came out of nowhere. Given how heavily cushioned, and rigid shoes are the norm, the idea feels very new. But it is not just another “trend”. There is large-scale evidence from big research centers like Harvard as well, how barefoot shoes and barefoot living can significantly improve your health. This blog is just about that - learning how barefoot shoes can help you live a fuller life.

Normal Shoes : What’s Wrong With Them

The design of shoes that you may be wearing right now, was probably designed with the most important piece missing - the human foot. The footwear industry has long forgotten that the human foot is a very complex structure, evolved by nature over years to support our entire bodies in all sorts of movements. They’re flexible, wide, have toes, and more.

Normal shoes however never incorporated design elements to adjust for this, only to make shoes look more pleasing to the eyes. Padding that restricts neurotransmission from the feet, rigid soles that make them very inflexible, narrow toe boxes that prevent you from using your toes.

These design “bugs” are the reason why a lot of you may suffer from plantar fasciitis, bunions, a fallen arch, heel pain and even lower back pain.

Barefoot Shoes : Do They Really Help?

The simple answer is Yes.

Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, are designed around the human foot. They’re designed to mimic the natural shape and function of your feet. They are wide, thin and flexible with no artificial heels.

The minimal cushioning allows for you to train your feet with every step. Using the muscles, tendons, ligaments for their true intended use.

Barefoot shoes allow you to fix your gait cycle, move more naturally and avoid long term mobility issues.

What Really Changes? What You Should Expect.

Stronger feet. Barefoot shoes have little to no cushion. This allows you to truly use your feet with each step and load muscles, ligaments and tendons which makes them stronger over time.

Better balance. Barefoot shoes have a wide toe box that lets your toes spread naturally, and thin, to let you feel the ground beneath you, improving your balance and stability.

More skilful movement. A thin sole ensures sensory feedback from the ground improving your mind connection, allowing for more agility and stability with each step.

Improved posture. A zero heel drop design ensures you’re standing completely naturally. This keeps you aligned and reduces stress on your back and your knees to improve your posture.

Fewer injuries and health problems. All of the above help mitigate issues that you may face due to weakened muscles, bad posture or lack of connection. 

Setting The Right Expectations

With all that said, it is important to set the expectation right. Your problems will not go away overnight when you make the switch. Barefoot shoes need time to adjust to. It is important to take it slow initially given the new experience to prevent the chances of overuse injuries immediately. You wouldn’t deadlift 100 kgs on your first day, don’t run a marathon in these. Take your time to build up to it and you will be stronger than ever.

Zen Origins are India’s first barefoot shoes that allow you to truly break free of foot coffins that your feet are put in every day. Make the switch and feel the difference.

Live Unbound.