The way in which our foot develops depends to a large extent on the footwear we use from an early age. Underestimating shoe problems, using high-heeled shoes frequently, or wearing classic shoes despite emerging problems can, over time, lead to various foot deformities such as flat feet and hallux valgus or affect the whole body, from varicose veins to problems with the whole silhouette! While the answers to these problems may be many, wearing minimalist shoes is an often overlooked aspect that can be crucial!
Why can choosing the right footwear be difficult?
Today’s status of classic shoes is mainly geared towards following fashion, mass-producing low-quality footwear, and creating the need to constantly buy new shoes. In such a situation, it is impossible to ensure that shoe models are healthy for the foot. The foot muscles are constantly fighting against uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes, and some shoe models even cause harm with every step. The foot has been shaped since our first steps, when we first learned to run barefoot. So it can be said that the type of footwear is something that will determine the correct movement of the foot for years to come.
Why feet hurt: common foot conditions and ankle problems
There are many health problems that can affect our feet. Some of the most common include:
- Hallux valgus is a deformity of the foot involving displacement of the toe towards the second toe. It most commonly affects women who walk in shoes with narrow toes and high heels. If left untreated, it can lead to pain when walking.
- Hammer toe affects the little toes and involves bending the toe downwards. The lesion can become permanent if not treated, which can cause pain on a daily basis. It most often occurs as a result of genetics or poor footwear.
- Flatfoot is a deformity of the foot in which the natural vault of the foot disappears. It is a very advanced condition that can have various causes, but minimalist shoes may be one solution. People with standing jobs are often at risk of flat feet.
- Diseases affecting the nails, such as ringworm or an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail can also be caused by tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and do not give space.
Are orthopaedic shoes the solution?
Orthopaedic shoes are used as a way of correcting or eliminating foot defects. It is usually applied after the condition in question has already occurred. However, orthopaedic shoes will not provide a long-term solution to the problem. If our body is ill, we can treat ourselves with medication every time the condition worsens or cure the cause. The same applies to the foot and how we move about every day. It is then worth trying barefoot running, natural running, or minimalist shoes to help solve some of the foot misalignment problems.
For foot problems that are just beginning, orthotics can replace orthopedic shoes tailored to overcome more serious problems. The construction of orthopaedic footwear is usually complex and therefore more expensive than insoles or minimalist shoes.
Orthopaedic footwear or minimalist shoes?
Minimalist shoes can be described as profilatic shoes. We often confuse them with orthopaedic shoes; however, prophylactic shoes are mainly designed to prevent inflammation from worsening, reduce stress on the ankle joint, or simply make your feet hurt less on a daily basis. Fitting minimalist shoes is just as important as fitting classic shoes, as not every foot will be suitable for a movement similar to natural running. Orthopaedic shoes should be the ultimate solution, and then the right kind of footwear should be taken care of so that foot problems do not recur.
What makes minimalist footwear good for the foot?
The whole idea of minimalist footwear is to be associated with the natural movement of the feet. Minimalist soles allow the natural positioning of the foot in relation to the ground, so that the work of the foot muscles is natural and the sole of the foot can arrange itself according to nature.
Minimalist shoes when running allow the foot to land naturally, which affects the whole movement apparatus, unlike classic shoes. At Magical Shoes, we only use natural materials of the highest quality, so the shoes will last you for many years.
We create the soles of the sports shoes from more durable materials. As a result, minimalist shoes protect your foot while imitating the feel of barefoot running. Natural running shoes allow natural movement and make the athlete’s feet less sore during daily sessions.
There is a group of people who run barefoot, but this is already quite extreme and is therefore only recommended for trained individuals. The advantage of minimalist shoe design is simultaneous protection, and modern minimalist shoes also stand out for their style and durability.
Are there disadvantages to running naturally?
Barefoot walking has many advantages, but as with any sport or activity, especially if there are any health contraindications, we recommend consulting your doctor or orthopaedist. Start natural running slowly, especially if your foot is used to classic shoes. After all, it is not only you but also your foot muscles that need to get used to new shoes. You can read about natural running in this article.
What if I have a standing job?
If you feel your feet are constantly aching when standing for long periods of time, it’s a good time to see what type of footwear can help. Sometimes a foot-massaging insole is enough, but for bigger problems, we recommend barefoot shoes. They will naturally align the sole of the foot even when standing for long periods of time. If, on the other hand, elegant minimalist shoes for the office are necessary, just take a look at our shop.
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