Educational Articles: Footwear: Solutions

The flip-flops discussion—are they healthy, are they not—seems to come up every year once the weather turns nice. There are wide-ranging opinions on the merits and pitfalls of flip-flops for foot health, and many healthcare professionals possess strong views on this ubiquitous warm weather footwear. In fact, the topic of flip-flops often generates a lot of controversy, seemingly out... Read more

Dr. Robyn and I were reminded on a recent hike of the importance of wide toe box footwear and natural toe splay for foot comfort and injury prevention. The combination of Correct Toes toe spacers and men's and women's wide toe box footwear is extremely helpful in preventing the foot and knee problems that plague so many trekkers,... Read more

“What shoes are best for my child?” As a physician with a specialty in the natural treatment of foot problems, this is a question I often hear. It’s a question posed by concerned parents who, themselves, are afflicted with foot ailments such as bunions, hammertoes, fungal toenails, and plantar fasciosis. Kids, as you well know, spend a lot of time on their feet, walking, running, and playing.... Read more

Keeping your feet and toes warm during the cold winter months is an important consideration, and so too is keeping your feet and toes healthy and pain-free. Winter is no time to forget about natural foot health principles, and the footwear you use during the cold months should receive the same high scrutiny your warm-weather footwear receives. In this post, we'll discuss... Read more

Despite changes in materials and construction techniques, not much about the shape of cycling shoes has changed over the years. Cycling shoes, like rock-climbing shoes and soccer cleats, are notoriously constricting (and uncomfortable) footwear, as they hold the big and little toes in bunion and bunionette configuration, respectively, for prolonged periods during rides. They also contribute to hot spots, ingrown toenails, plantar fascia pain, hammertoes, and other... Read more

We all spend a lot of time on our feet, in shoes, so understanding what constitutes healthy footwear is absolutely crucial for building and maintaining optimal foot, toe, and joint health. Indeed, the health of your feet has profound implications on your entire body and your quality of life. But what are the key differences between a truly foot-healthy shoe... Read more

You’re a contemporary fashionista who dresses to impress. You faithfully don your high heels to conform to business dress standards, impress your employees, boss, or coworkers, and look fierce, maybe even sexy. You’re aware that wearing your fashionable heels may result in painful footsteps, but, well, you’re willing to squeeze them on for the sake of good looks. If this description mirrors your experience and thoughts, you... Read more

Children spend much of their time on their feet, walking, running, and playing, and an active child takes about 20,000 steps per day. A question we often receive is: “What shoes are best for my child?” Concerned parents rightly wonder about the best ways to protect and support their child’s feet and prevent future health problems. Your child’s feet are naturally and brilliantly designed for optimal standing... Read more

Dr. Robyn and I are often stopped on hiking and running trails by fellow outdoor enthusiasts who notice our unique footwear choices. With puzzled looks on their faces, they ask us how we avoid spraining our ankles in such minimalist footwear on such uneven terrain. The truth is, minimalist shoe wearers are at a distinct advantage when... Read more

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses how to select the healthiest possible footwear to support your child's growth and development. Choosing the proper footwear for your child early on can have an enormously beneficial effect on his or her foot and joint health later in life. Protecting the shape and function of... Read more