Since my chiropractic spinal correction in February 2023, I have started researching on spine health, and, guess what, I found out that much of our spine health starts from our foot health.
Shortly after I became obsessed with barefoot shoes and I basically reconverted all my shoes, from sneakers to boots and sandals to barefoot shoes. Here are some insights.
WHAT ARE BAREFOOT SHOES?
Barefoot shoes introduce a concept of footwear which imitates walking bare feet, respecting the natural anatomy of a foot.
Barefoot shoes allow the toes to have enough space so they are not restricted when walking, and the arch is free to move and support the spine as it should.
Barefoot shoes stimulates our nerve endings on the bottom of our feet during walking, improving our body posture and coordination.
Why are barefoot shoes good for you?
Here are five good reasons to go barefoot.
Ultra-light, ultra-flexible, with a thin sole, which allows you to feel the ground but still feel comfortable, with a wide toe box.
Thin sole for instant ground feedback
Did you know that one foot alone contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, and thousands of nerve endings? Those nerves provide your brain with the necessary sensory feedback from the ground - by choosing footwear with thick and stiff soles, you are basically blindfolding your feet.
Wearing shoes with a thin sole enables you to feel the ground and this sensory feedback plays an essential role in postural stability and dynamic gait patterns, also reducing the risk of twisting your ankle.
Zero drop for a natural and upright posture
When we are wearing shoes with a heel-to-toe drop, our whole body shifts out of alignment, chronically shortening your calf structures. It may also result in a reduced range of motion of your ankles and pain in your Achilles tendon.
A zero-drop shoe provides the best base for a natural and upright posture, also improving their knee, hip, or back pain after transitioning to zero-drop footwear.
Lightweight, so you don’t even notice you’re wearing shoes
If you’ve ever worn a great barefoot shoe, you never want to go back to regular and heavy footwear.
Wide toe box with enough space for your toes to spread
Ordinary footwear can restrict the foot in its natural posture and function and can result in pain and malalignment.
A naturally shaped toe box allows your toes enough room to play.
This way, your toes are not forced to point inwards and can act in their natural function to stabilize your whole body.
Flexible sole to allow the feet’s natural range of motion
Have you ever paid attention to your foot movement while walking barefoot? It’s fascinating how much our feet bend, twist, and balance. If you’re wearing a shoe with a stiff and rigid sole, your foot is restricted in its natural range of movement. Therefore, the flexibility of a shoe is crucial for a natural walking pattern.
SO WHAT ARE THE BEST BRANDS FOR BAREFOOT SHOES?
My personal favourites are Barebarics, Feelsground, Viba, Softstar and Belenka, not in order.
Barebaric are the street brand of barefoot sneakers by BeLenka. They are some of the coolest next gen barefoot sneakers on the market.
Here are some of my favourite by Barebarics barefoot sneakers.
The barebarics Revive barefoot sneakers feature an unmatched level of barefoot comfort, premium vegan materials and dynamic looks.
The Barebarics Hifly are vegan barefoot sneakers, crafted with premium materials to maximise comfort and ooze sporty style.
The Barebarics Pulsa barefoot sneakers with a simple dual coloured design will beautifully match most of your casual wardrobe. Spacious toe-box gives plenty of space for your toes to wiggle.
I love the Barebarics Vibe barefoot sneakers for their styled laces. Vegan and incredibly comfortable.
FEELSGROUND BAREFOOT SHOES
Feelsground started with a crowdfunding campaign for their first model, the Original Mesh, in April 2019. Feelgrounds was funded within 48 hours.
Their mission is to make barefoot shoes available and appealing to more people.
The Feelsground Highrise Luxe barefoot shoes provides maximum flexibility and sneaker-style at the same time. Velvety microsuede lining and soft, water-repellent faux leather.
With its wide toe box and flexible sole, the Feelsground Patrol Lite Barefoot shoes supports your natural gait. The microsuede lining and the natural cork insole provide maximum comfort. High-quality soft faux leather and waxed cotton laces add premium character - 100% vegan.
The Feelsground barefoot Chelsea boot is equipped with a flexible, zero-drop sole with grippy tread and an anatomically shaped toe box. The elastic ankle piece and convenient finger loop at the heel allows you to slip on the barefoot boots effortlessly.
The Feelsground Original Knit Barefoot shoes offers the most natural walking experience. Its knit upper comes with a water-repellent treatment, which makes this model a great all-round sneaker. Ideal for everyday casual wear in spring and autumn.
Switchback barefoot boots are lightweight, breathable, zero drop, and water resistant. The rugged Vibram™ Megagrip soles takes you through the most extreme treks. Comes in the Superfabric® or the all-leather look.
The Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc is a barefoot trail running shoe that combines our innovative foot-shaped design with the added grip and durability of VibramTM Megagrip soles. Your feet will be free to hike, run, and explore any terrain with ease
Be Lenka Ranger 2.0 are handcrafted with premium oiled nubuck leather & rubber skirting around the toe-box and the heel for strength and durability needed for trail walks, easy hikes and even urban wear.
Featuring premium nubuck leather and a new antislip flexible rubber lug outsole the Belenka Nevada Boots are the ideal pick for autumn to mild winters.
Handcrafted with premium quality Nappa & Nubuck leather, warm wool lining, and waterproof protective membrane, the Belenka Boots offer excellent durability, warmth and comfort.
VIBAe ROMA Leather Preto is made from vegetable tanned leather, a natural rubber sole, and the premium comfort of the anti-microbial Carbon Step™ footbed that contours the anatomy of your foot to provide maximum support.
VIBAe Helsinki Leather Preto is a slip-on Chelsea boot with a heel pull and large elastic gore on either side for easy entry. It is made from premium vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free).
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