7 myths about barefoot shoes

A lot of myths have developed around wearing minimalist shoes. Some of them stem from improper use, negative journalism, attempts to capitalize on it by corporations, and many other factors. The barefoot ideology was once a hit on every sports website, but the topic has quieted down. Why? Because, as is often the case, people had a negative attitude towards it. Today, we debunk the 7 most well-known myths that may clear up your doubts – are they right for me?

Minimalist shoes do not protect against bad weather

Let’s ask this – do poorly made shoes protect against bad weather? The answer is obviously NO.

Well-made barefoot shoes, which are also selected according to the weather, offer excellent foot protection – even in winter. To create such shoes, we use natural materials like:

Full-grain leather
Vegan full-grain leather
Microfiber
Suede
Shoe felt
Synthetic shoe felt
Wool

All of this contributes to complete protection for your foot, even during winter. Of course, just like any other shoes, these need to be properly cared for using waterproofing agents and appropriate cleaning products.

Minimalist shoes wear out quickly

This myth emerged when barefoot shoes became a "trend," and everyone wanted to capitalize on it. Low-quality materials, similar to those used in mass-produced footwear, were often used in their production.

However, barefoot shoes made from high-quality materials, as we mentioned in the previous paragraph, and properly cared for, can last for many years.

It also depends on how you use your shoes. If you engage in intense training, any shoes will suffer wear, but it’s not fair to say that “barefoot shoes wear out faster.”

Many people may think that the thin sole wears out quickly. The truth is, the "proper" rubber sole in our shoes is often thicker than those in standard shoes with heels and cushioning. It’s often the case that shoes with cushioning have a very thick foam layer, which is connected to the rubber part of the sole that is only about 2mm thick.

Natural running increases the risk of injury

Here’s a surprise – yes, it CAN increase the risk of injury. But only if you approach it irresponsibly or jump into deep water (or rather, long distances) on the very first day.

We’ve already dedicated a significant article to natural running, but today we’ll summarize the most important steps if you want to start running this way effectively and safely:

Natural running requires a different foot movement. Changing your running technique can be a long process.
Don’t underestimate learning natural running; focus on technique and proper foot placement.
Start with small steps, even the feet of born runners can be deformed by improper footwear, and learning may take longer.
Don’t try to run naturally in cushioned shoes, it defeats the purpose.
During the run, focus on the proper movements that the POSE technique will teach you.
Run in natural shoes, look for models that have zero drop (flat sole); these are shoes without cushioning.

Have you checked all the points? You can confidently dismiss this myth.

A thin sole promotes injuries

It may seem that a thin sole without cushioning promotes injuries, such as slipping or getting punctured by a stone. However, remember that thin doesn’t mean weak! A sole made from durable material protects our foot as well as any other shoe.

Minimalist shoes are made for people with bunions and flat feet. Wearing them prevents these dysfunctions, and for those who already have these issues, they are a blessing, as they won’t "help" them develop further.

People with bunions won’t wear shoes that squeeze their toes, and those with flat feet will strengthen the muscles that may have led to the collapse of the foot’s arches.

I’ll look strange in barefoot shoes

Do you remember ads with "super fancy shoes" that, instead of a regular front, had five toes and looked like a second foot? We’ve got good news – they’re not "representative" of the entire barefoot idea.

Magical Shoes combine fashion trends, barefoot design, and high-quality materials, so you can use them for both mountain climbing and for a night out. Elegant winter boots, comfortable sports shoes, Chelsea boots that go with any outfit – we guarantee that your sense of aesthetics won’t suffer thanks to barefoot shoes.

Barefoot shoes will cure all my problems

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for all ailments, and barefoot shoes will not solve your health problems. Yes, walking in barefoot shoes is excellent support in the fight against certain foot conditions, but if you’ve spent your life wearing poorly fitted shoes, treatment may require "heavier artillery."

Minimalist shoes allow for:

A wider range of motion for the toes, which positively impacts their strength and proper alignment.
Comfortable foot spacing, which helps in the fight against bunions.
Natural foot movement (from the midfoot), leading to better posture for the entire body.
Strengthening of the foot muscles, which helps avoid injuries and provides greater natural cushioning for the body.

To sum up – barefoot shoes can be helpful in the fight against certain conditions, but we recommend using common sense and consulting with a doctor.

Barefoot shoes are not suitable for sports

Here we can definitely say – quite the opposite! Whether you're doing strength training, running, or participating in another sport, barefoot shoes can be a great support for your athletic performance.

However, we will emphasize again (and will do so on every occasion)! If you have health problems – make sure to consult a doctor or gradually introduce minimalist footwear into your exercise routine.

How can these shoes help you in sports?

For strength sports, a stronger and wider foot allows for a more stable position. In exercises like squats or deadlifts, this is crucial.
For running, aerobics, and other similar exercises, a foot in minimalist shoes has more space and forces natural movement from the midfoot. While your first barefoot experiences may lead to muscle soreness, after some time, you will notice a significant improvement in the fluidity of movement and cushioning.
Barefoot shoes are also great for climbing (giving a more secure feeling of the ground under your feet), cycling (stronger contact with the bike pedals), and other sports.

There are many more examples, but we’ve listed a few general areas to give you a more complete view!