7 myths about barefoot shoes

Many myths have grown up about walking in minimalist shoes. These are partly due to misuse, negative journalism, attempts at corporate exploitation, and many other things. The barefoot ideology was a hit on every sports website at one time, but the topic has gone quiet. Why? Because, as is often the case, people had a negative attitude towards it. Today, we’re debunking seven of the most well-known myths that might dispel your doubts—are they for me?

Minimalist shoes do not protect against bad weather

Then we might ask, Do poor-quality shoes protect against bad weather? The answer is, of course, no.

Well-made barefoot shoes that are additionally selected according to the weather are great protection for the foot, even in winter. To create such shoes, we use natural ingredients like:

• natural-grain leather,
• vegan grain leather,
• microfibre,
• suede leather,
• shoe felt,
• synthetic shoe blanket,
• wool.

All of this translates into complete protection for your foot, even in the winter. Of course, as with any shoe, these also need to be properly cared for with waterproofing products and appropriate cleaning products.

Minimalist shoes wear out quickly

This myth was created when there was a boom” for minimalist shoes and everyone wanted to capitalize on it. Low-quality ingredients were used in production, which are also used in mass-market footwear.

Meanwhile, barefoot shoes made from the high-quality products we mentioned in the previous paragraph and properly cared for can last for a really long time.

It also depends on how you use your shoes. If you are practicing heavy workouts, any shoes will suffer, but this should not be looked at through the prism of “barefoot will wear out faster”.

Many people may think that because of the thin sole, they will wear down quickly. The truth is that the ‘proper’ rubber sole is many times thicker in our shoes than in standard shoes with a heel and cushioning. The most common situation is that shoes with cushioning have a very thick foam sole part, which is combined with a rubber sole part that is 2mm thick.

Natural running increases the risk of injury

Here we will surprise you: yes, it can increase the risk of injury. Only if you approach the subject irresponsibly or throw yourself into the deep end (or rather, long distances) on day one.

We have already devoted a substantial article to natural running, but today we will summarize the most important steps if you want to start running this way effectively and safely:

1. Natural running requires a different foot movement. Changing your running technique can be a long-term process.
2. Don’t underestimate learning to run naturally; focus on technique and proper foot placement.
3. Start with small steps; even the feet of natural-born runners can be deformed by inadequate footwear and will take longer to learn.
4. Do not try to run naturally in cushioned shoes; this defeats the purpose.
5. When running, focus on the correct movements that the POSE technique will teach you.
6. Run in natural shoes; look for suitable shoe models that have a zero drop (flat sole); these are shoes without cushioning.

All points checked? You can confidently throw this myth between fairy tales.

Thin soles promote injury

It may seem that a thin sole without cushioning is conducive to injury, e.g., slipping or getting punctured by a stone. However, remember that thin does not mean unstable! A sole made of durable material protects our feet as well as any other shoe.

Minimalist shoes are made for people with hallux valgus and flat feet. Wearing them prevents these dysfunctions, and for people who already have this ailment, they will be salutary as they will not “help” them develop.

People with hallux valgus will not walk in shoes that squeeze their toes, and those with flat feet will strengthen the muscles that may have led to the lowering of the arches of the foot.

I’ll look weird in barefoot shoes

Remember the ads for the ‘super-fancy shoes’ that had five toes instead of the usual front and looked like a second foot? We have good news: they are not a representation” of the whole barefoot idea.

Magical Shoes combine fashion trends, barefoot style, and high-quality materials, so you can use them for both mountain climbing and lounging. Elegant winter boots, comfortable sports shoes, slippers to match any outfit—we guarantee that your sense of aesthetics will not suffer thanks to barefoot shoes.

Barefoot shoes will cure all my problems

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for all illnesses, and in the same way, barefoot shoes will not solve your health problems. Yes, walking in barefoot shoes is a great support in the fight against some foot conditions, but if you have been walking in ill-fitting footwear all your life, the treatment may require “heavier artillery”.

Minimalist footwear allows for:

• a wider range of movement of the toes, which has a positive effect on toe strength and correct alignment,
• comfortable spread of the foot, which promotes the fight against hallux valgus,
  natural movement of the foot (from the metatarsal), which allows for a better posture of the entire figure,
• strengthening of the foot muscles, thus avoiding injuries and providing the body with greater amortization.

In conclusion, barefoot footwear can be helpful in the fight against certain conditions, but we recommend using common sense and consulting your doctor.

Barefoot shoes are not suitable for sports

Here we can definitely say, Just the opposite! Whether you do strength training, running, or any other sport, barefoot shoes can be a great support for your athletic exploits.

With that said, we will again emphasize (and continue to emphasize at every opportunity)! If you have health problems, make sure you get counseling or slowly introduce yourself to exercise in minimalist footwear.

How can such shoes help you in sports?

• For strength sports, a stronger and wider foot allows for a more stable position. In exercises like the squat or deadlift, this is crucial.
• For running, aerobics, and other such exercises, the foot in minimalist shoes has more space and forces natural movement from the midfoot. While there is bound to be soreness during your first barefoot adventures, after a while you will notice a significant improvement in the fluidity of movement and cushioning.
• Barefoot shoes are also suitable for climbing (more secure feeling of the ground under the feet), cycling (stronger contact with the pedals from the bike), and other sports.

Examples can be multiplied, but we have given some general areas to give you a fuller idea!