Minimalist shoes and foot and leg conditions

How our feet develop largely depends on the footwear we’ve been using since we were young. Neglecting foot problems, frequently wearing high heels, or continuing to wear traditional shoes despite emerging issues can lead to various foot deformities, such as flat feet, bunions, or even affect the entire body – from varicose veins to posture problems! There are many answers to these issues, but wearing minimalist shoes is often an overlooked aspect that can make a key difference!

Why choosing the right footwear can be difficult

Today’s status of traditional shoes is mainly focused on following fashion trends, mass production of low-quality footwear, and creating the need for constant purchase of new shoes. In this mode, it’s impossible to ensure that the shoe models are healthy for the foot. The muscles in our feet are constantly struggling with uncomfortable or poorly chosen shoes, and some shoe models can even harm the foot with every step. The foot shapes itself from the first steps, when we initially learned to run barefoot. So, we can say that the type of footwear we choose will determine the proper movement of the foot for years to come.

Why do legs hurt, common foot disorders, and ankle joint problems

There are many health issues that can affect our feet. Some of the most common include:

Bunions – A deformity of the foot where the big toe shifts toward the second toe. It most commonly affects women who wear narrow-toed shoes with high heels. If left untreated, bunions can cause pain while walking.
Hammer toes – This affects the small toes and involves the bending of the toe downward. If not treated, the changes can become permanent and cause pain on a daily basis. It often results from genetics or improper footwear.
Flat feet – A foot deformity in which the natural arch of the foot disappears. This is a very advanced condition that can have various causes, but one solution could be minimalist shoes. People with standing jobs are often at higher risk for flat feet.
Nail diseases, such as fungal infections or ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by tight shoes that squeeze the toes together, leaving no room for proper growth.

Are orthopedic shoes the solution?

Orthopedic shoes are used as a way to correct or eliminate foot deformities. They are typically used after a condition has already developed. However, orthopedic shoes will not provide a long-term solution to the problem. When our body is ill, we can treat the symptoms with medication whenever the condition worsens or address the root cause. The same applies to the feet and how we move on a daily basis. In such cases, it’s worth trying barefoot running, natural running, or purchasing minimalist shoes, which can help solve some of the problems related to improper foot alignment.

For feet that are just starting to show problems, orthopedic insoles can replace orthopedic shoes designed to address more serious issues. The construction of orthopedic shoes is usually more complex and, therefore, more expensive than insoles or minimalist shoes.

Orthopedic shoes or minimalist shoes?

Minimalist shoes can be considered preventive footwear. They are often confused with orthopedic shoes, but preventive shoes mainly aim to prevent the worsening of inflammatory conditions, reduce the load on the ankle joint, or simply make everyday walking less painful. The fit of minimalist shoes is just as important as traditional shoes, because not every foot is suited for movements like natural running. Orthopedic shoes should be a last resort, after which proper footwear should be selected to ensure foot problems don’t recur.

What makes minimalist shoes good for your feet?

The entire concept behind minimalist shoes is to align with the natural movement of the feet. Minimalist soles allow for the natural positioning of the foot in relation to the ground, ensuring that the foot muscles work naturally and that the sole can align in accordance with nature.

Minimalist shoes, when running, allow for a natural foot landing, which impacts the entire musculoskeletal system, unlike traditional shoes. At Magical Shoes, we use only the highest-quality natural materials, ensuring that the shoes will serve you for many years.

We create the soles of our sports shoes from more durable materials. This allows minimalist shoes to protect the feet while also simulating the feeling of running barefoot. Barefoot running shoes allow for natural movement, reducing leg pain during daily sessions.

There is a group of people who run barefoot, but this is a more extreme form, so we recommend it only to trained individuals. The advantage of minimalist shoe construction is the simultaneous protection, and modern minimalist shoes also stand out for their style and durability.

Are there any disadvantages to natural running?

Walking barefoot has many benefits, but like any sport or activity, especially when there are health contraindications, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthopedic specialist. Start natural running slowly, especially if your feet are used to traditional shoes. After all, you need to get used to the new shoes, but so do the muscles in your feet. You can read more about natural running in this article.

What if I have a standing job?

If you feel your legs constantly hurt after long periods of standing, it’s a good time to check which type of footwear might help. Sometimes, a massaging insole for the feet is enough, but in the case of more serious problems, we recommend barefoot shoes. They will naturally align the sole of your foot, even during long periods of standing. If, however, you need stylish minimalist shoes for the office, just visit our store.