If you've been dealing with nagging back pain, hunched shoulders, or that end-of-day ache in your knees, you might be surprised to learn your shoes could be part of the problem. Let's explore how barefoot and minimalist footwear can reshape the way your body carries itself—from the ground up.
Your feet carry you through life—literally. Yet most of us spend zero time thinking about whether our shoes actually support healthy foot function. If your feet ache after a day on your feet or you're dealing with bunions, plantar fasciitis, or general foot fatigue, your footwear might be working against you rather than with you.
You've probably seen people walking around in those flat, wide-toed shoes that look nothing like traditional sneakers. Maybe you're wondering if they're onto something—or just following another wellness trend that'll fade away.
As physiotherapist Marii Meinberg mentioned in our interview, barefoot shoes are suitable for everyone. All you need is some preparation before purchasing and wearing them daily.
As the name suggests, barefoot shoes allow one to walk seemingly barefoot. This means that these shoes aim to protect the feet from environmental conditions while not restricting the foot's movement.
leguano is a German brand that produces only barefoot shoes. The company was established by movement professionals who felt that running in stiff-soled shoes harmed their health. After thorough research and testing, they concluded that a gradual shift to running in barefoot shoes results in fewer injuries and pain than running in stiff-soled shoes. The first shoes produced by leguano were sports shoes but by now the company produces shoes for all occasions.
When selecting your first pair of barefoot shoes, it's crucial to measure both the length and width of your feet. Properly fitting shoes are to be chosen by your foot's measurements, not siz enumbers. Shoes that fit in length but are too narrow can cause discomfort and hinder the benefits of barefoot shoes.
Fortunately, barefoot shoe brands cater to various foot shapes and sizes. From very narrow to extra wide, there's a range of barefoot shoes available to accommodate different feet.
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