What is the ideal shoe for us?

What Is the Ideal Footwear According to Us?

Wide – To provide space
Flat – As much as possible
Light and Flexible – To enable natural movement
The Philosophy of Barefooting

Our goal is to make it possible for people’s feet and entire bodies to function naturally.

1. Width

The health of our feet is closely linked to the functioning of our entire body. Let’s start with the basics. Humans are the most versatile movers on the planet. We are strong, fast, capable of pushing, pulling, climbing, lifting, and jumping.

Initially, our feet were not cramped or confined. Just look at the feet of newborns or those of indigenous people.

The exact appearance of the first footwear is unknown, but research suggests it appeared 30,000–40,000 years ago in prehistoric times. These were simple, made from leather and plant materials, with the aim of protection against rough terrain and weather conditions. It’s important to note that humans have only worn footwear for a tiny fraction of their evolutionary history.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, narrow shoes became popular, bringing numerous musculoskeletal problems with them.

What problems can narrow shoes cause?

Bunions:

This condition appears at the joint of the big toe. Often, a bump forms as a result of bone deformity. While genetic predisposition can contribute to bunions, the most common cause is wearing narrow shoes, and other foot issues like flat feet or pronation can increase the risk. Bunions can lead to pain and discomfort, often making people avoid putting weight on the affected foot, resulting in reduced mobility. Bunions can also affect walking and posture, leading to further muscle and joint pain.

Plantar Fasciitis:

This condition usually causes pain in the middle of the sole, especially near the heel. The pain is often worse in the morning or after prolonged sitting. It can result from overuse, such as prolonged standing or excess weight, foot deformities like high arches or pronation, and poorly chosen narrow shoes.

Changes in Balance Perception

The structure of the foot and the shape of the arches directly affect stability and posture, making the arches crucial for balance perception.

The foot has three arches: the medial longitudinal arch, lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch. Healthy arches support stability and balance, as well as the functional operation of the whole body, from children to athletes to the elderly. Think of it as simple statics: changing the position of the big toe affects the three-point support that provides overall body stability. Imagine it like a three-legged camera stand; altering one leg reduces its stability.

2. Flat Sole

Zero Drop – A return to natural sensation.

Shoes without a raised heel, where the front and back are on the same level, offer numerous benefits.

They allow for natural foot movement, encouraging midfoot or forefoot strikes, which can reduce the risk of back and lower back pain and promote natural posture. Heel-less shoes ensure optimal muscle function in your feet as they have to work harder to maintain balance. They also improve sensory feedback by bringing you closer to the ground, allowing for better and quicker adaptation to different surfaces.

When did the first high-heeled shoes appear?

The first high-heeled shoes appeared as early as the 16th century, originally used by horse riders to help with mounting and dismounting. In 17th century France, high heels became fashionable and remain a part of fashion today.

Elevated-heel sneakers became widespread in the mid-20th century, initially for sports and later becoming popular in streetwear and fashion, maintaining their popularity ever since.

Anatomical and Functional Effects

Sneakers with elevated heels put the ankles and feet in a state of “forward tilt,” similar to walking down stairs or standing on a slope. This is not how our feet are designed to function. The heel elevation puts extra stress on the foot, particularly the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of inflammation and bunions. The pelvic tilt caused by elevated heels can lead to back pain, and certain muscles, such as the calves and hamstrings, experience increased tension, leading to pain and imbalance, potentially resulting in further musculoskeletal issues.

The anterior structures of the lower leg, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles, are overstretched, while the posterior side is constantly shortened and tense.

Balance Is Key – It’s not a problem to use the ankle and foot in this position occasionally, but doing so persistently causes compensations throughout the body.

The spine is also affected. Poor positioning can lead to spinal issues.

3. Lightness and Flexibility

Reclaim the sensation to reconnect with your environment!

Why is it important for shoes to be flexible and lightweight?

To allow your feet to move freely.
To feel through your soles.

There is often a stereotype that a stiffer sole is better—more cushioned and robust means better protection and comfort.

However, we must remember that our feet are an incredible mechanical marvel, composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together harmoniously.

How can this perfect mechanical system function properly in shoes that restrict movement? Without movement, muscles weaken and become lazy, deprived of their function.

Foot Sense

Our feet have more nerve endings than our hands. Sensory receptors pick up stimuli and send them to the brain, which, through a sorting system, relays commands and information to muscles, tendons, and the whole body. Such information includes temperature and environmental conditions. This sensory feedback is vital for the functioning of the whole body and our nervous system.

Time and Patience

It takes time for our bodies to adapt to new patterns.