Educational Articles: Most Popular

Myths abound in the footwear industry, and many types of shoes that are purported to be “good for your feet” can actually lead to foot pain and problems. In this article, we take a closer look at clogs, a style of shoe that many believe promotes foot health but is, unfortunately, a common contributer to a variety of foot ills. Read on to learn all about clogs and why they... 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, especially on long hikes and descents, and it saved us from considerable... Read more

Ligaments surround joints, including the toe joints, and help form joint capsules. Joint capsules help protect the joints and allow them to function properly. Capsulitis—inflammation of a joint capsule—is a common problem in certain parts of the body, especially the shoulders and feet, and it may cause significant discomfort. This health problem can, over time, lead to toe dislocation if it’s not treated properly. In fact, capsulitis is sometimes called... Read more

We receive a lot of questions about Correct Toes, and this page is dedicated to answering some of the most common ones. If you have a question about Correct Toes that doesn't appear anywhere else on our site, please send it to info@naturalfootgear.com and we'll post your question and our response here. Our goal is to make sure you understand how best to use this unique foot health product. We... Read more

Crooked toes are a common health problem, and there are several different types of crooked toes possible. The specific type of crooked toe a person may develop depends on the degree and direction of deviation in the affected toe’s joints. In some cases, the abnormal toe alignment is not permanent, and the toe may be realigned using natural rehabilitative techniques. Note: Crooked toes, curved toes, and bent toes are extremely... 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 foot problems. Read more

Many people are aware that a transition period is required when switching from conventional shoes to minimalist shoes (now sometimes referred to as “functional footwear”). In fact, this is one of the most common topics we hear about from patients and customers. Most people want to know the proper protocol for transitioning to men's or women's foot-healthy footwear—shoes, boots, or sandals that are widest at the ends of the toes,... Read more

Pedag “T-form” metatarsal pads are among the most helpful (and least obtrusive) foot pads you can use to rehabilitate your feet. These pads are helpful in restoring optimal foot health because they spread the heads of your metatarsal bones (which creates more room for sensitive and easily compressed ball of foot structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, to pass), they promote a balance between your toe flexor and extensor... Read more

Irritation, imbalance, or fracture of two small bones—sesamoids—near the big toe is a forefoot problem that may cause pain in some individuals. These two sesamoid bones, located on the underside of the foot, directly below the first metatarsal bone—the long, thin bone that’s positioned between the ankle bones and the big toe—are approximately the size of corn kernels and act like pulleys. The sesamoid bones function like a kneecap (another... Read more

In the world of healthcare, there are no panaceas, or cure-alls. But a few simple strategies can have profound and lasting effects on your health. When it comes to building and maintaining foot and toe health, one simple action stands out above most others: Realigning your big toe to the position that nature intended. Restoring your big toe so that it’s in line with its corresponding metatarsal bone is one... Read more

A lot of folks write in with questions about foot and toe surgery and what alternatives might be available for those who wish to avoid these procedures. We also get a lot of questions from people who've already had foot or toe surgery (or who are scheduled for a procedure), wondering if natural foot care methods might be effective in preventing a recurrence of their problem. Some folks wonder, too,... Read more

The Toe Extensor Stretch—a simple stretch of the toe extensor muscles and tendons—is perhaps the single most important stretch or exercise for foot health. Most conventional shoes possess about 15 to 20 degrees of toe spring, or upward toe ramping, which, along with heel elevation, creates imbalances in the flexor and extensor muscles and tendons that act on the foot. Overly tight toe extensor muscles and tendons may lead to... Read more