Educational Articles

Problematic Shoe Design Features

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Disclaimer:

The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read full disclaimer here.

Related articles:

Heel Elevation

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Heel elevation

Heel elevation is a design element present in almost every shoe, from dress shoes to work boots to running shoes, though there is... Read more

Tapering Toe Boxes

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Toe box taper—the narrowing of a shoe from the ball of your foot to the ends of your toes—is one of the most harmful features of conventional... Read more

Comments
August 26, 2016
Harriet

Hi,

Your website fascinates me, as I am suffering from a left foot bunion. I have a 7.5 AA shoe size with a mixed last. I have had trouble finding shoes my whole life. Are you aware of any professional in New York City who sells your products? Or a podiatrist who believes in your philosophy?

August 26, 2016
Natural Footgear

Hi, Harriet,

Thank you for your comment. My best recommendation is to check out this page to see if there is a healthcare provider in your area that can assist you:

www.nwfootankle.com/resources/122-healthcare-providers

Also, you might appreciate these resources on our website:

Bunions eCourse:
www.naturalfootgear.com/pages/do-you-have-foot-pain

Bunions & Heredity:
www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17856668-bunions-heredity

Bunions: Conventional vs. Natural Approaches:
www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17856712-bunions-conventional-vs-natural-approaches

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

January 25, 2018
Sherry

I have had extensive work done on my toes. My toes are rigid now, except for my big toe where I had a joint replacement. My feet are sore a lot of the time. What shoes would you recommend for my foot issues? Thank you.

January 25, 2018
Natural Footgear

Hi, Sherry,

Thank you for your comment. I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing foot soreness and discomfort. We can’t make any specific recommendations for you, as we don’t have the benefit of a health history interview and a physical examination, but you might consider scheduling a phone or Skype consultation with the team at Northwest Foot & Ankle (this is the sports podiatry clinic of Dr. Ray McClanahan, the inventor of Correct Toes):

www.genbook.com/bookings/slot/reservation/30175925/871660705?bookingContactId=2881722692

If there is anything else we can do to assist, please do let us know!

All best,
Andrew Potter

October 19, 2018
Pauline

Interesting article on problematic shoe design features! I’m somewhat confused, though, in that the article states that toe spring is a design flaw yet there is a picture of a Lems shoe that appears to be showing toe spring? I don’t think I’m understanding this concept of toe spring fully. Can you elaborate? Thanks!

October 19, 2018
Natural Footgear

Hi, Pauline,

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you liked the article!

There are basically two types of toe spring that may be incorporated into footwear: Rigid or flexible. Rigid toe spring is a problem because it essentially immobilizes the toes in an extended position for prolonged periods and destabilizes the main foot arch. Flexible toe spring, on the other hand, is easily compressed out during weight-bearing activities and does not cause the same kind of foot and toe problems associated with rigid toe spring. I hope this all makes sense!

Feel free to reach back out to us if you have any additional questions.

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

December 29, 2018
Susan Morrison

I have several foot issues: plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. The bunions (right foot, especially) are the most problematic. I just had a bunionectomy performed on my right foot. I also work as a carpenter. Can you tell me whether you think the boots you offer would be suitable for my work? I’m used to wearing Redwing Irish Setters without steel toe. Thanks!

December 29, 2018
Natural Footgear

Hi, Susan,

Thank you for your message. Here’s wishing you speedy healing after your bunionectomy!

In our experience, we’ve found that our boot offerings work great in a variety of occupational settings. Some carpenters do indeed use the boots, though, of course, it depends upon the nature of the job site. The boots wouldn’t be appropriate in a setting where steel toes are required, but if that’s not a consideration for you, then I think you’ll find any of them to be a good fit.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have any additional questions!

All best,
Marty Hughes, DC

February 22, 2021
Scott Holm

I have flat feet and use arch supports. Are you saying I should not use the arch supports?

February 22, 2021
Natural Footgear

Hi, Scott,

We appreciate your question. Our general philosophy is that, if you’ve found something that’s working for you, great! But if you’ve tried conventional arch orthotics and they have failed you, or if you’re looking for an approach that addresses the true underlying cause of most foot problems, you might consider incorporating flat, flexible, and wide toe box footwear in combination with Correct Toes (and other applicable footgear) into your daily foot care routine. The goal of using such products is to rehabilitate your foot and make it strong and resilient so that it can stand up to all of life’s many physical challenges.

Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions!

Kind regards,
Robyn Hughes, ND

February 22, 2021
Jamie

Most of the time I hike on trails/terrain that is quite rocky. I would love to know how your footwear might work, such that sharp rocks not be a bother. The conventional boots I wear seem to do a good job minimizing the sharp rocks’ impact. Confusing subject, for certain.

February 22, 2021
Natural Footgear

Hi, Jamie,

Thank you for your comment. We have found that a lot of the footwear we feature on our site works quite well on rocky terrain. Despite incorporating thinner soles than conventional hiking boots, the kind of minimalist footwear we favor allows you to be more conscientious with your footfalls, and it affords you the tactile feedback required to rapidly adjust your foot position or shift your bodyweight to prevent any pain or discomfort should you encounter a sharp or pointed trail feature.

I recommend that you check out this article from our site, which discusses the factors that make for a great hiking boot:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/educational-articles/what-makes-for-a-great-hiking-boot

I hope this info helps!

Kind regards,
Robyn Hughes, ND

March 12, 2024
Candace

How do Doc Martens (boots) fair in terms of foot health?

March 12, 2024
Natural Footgear

Hi, Candace. Thank you for your question. The short answer to your query is … not very well! The slightly longer answer is the following: Doc Martens boots have a distinctive style that many people are drawn to, but they score poorly on pretty much every level when it comes to the major criteria we use to evaluate footwear. In fact, it wouldn’t be hard to make the case that this style of boot—along with a variety of sport-specific footwear—is among the most damaging to the foot and toes of any footwear on the market today. A typical Doc Martens boot incorporates a tapering toe box, heel elevation, toe spring, rigid soles, a high stack height, an inflexible upper, and excessive weight—pretty much the exact opposite of the features or qualities we look for in a foot-healthy shoe or boot.

So, for all these reasons, we think it is best to steer clear of Doc Martens if foot health and function are important to you. We think you’ll find a more comfortable and beneficial shoe-wearing experience with any of the men’s or women’s foot-friendly models we feature on the Natural Footgear site. That’s our take!

We hope you find this info helpful. Please let us know if you have any follow-up questions!

Yours in Foot Health,
Drs. Marty & Robyn Hughes

Join The Discussion

Please note that we do not provide medical advice or comment on specific health problems.

Comments need to be approved before showing up.