One question that we receive from readers from time to time is the following: “Are maximalist shoes good for the feet?” Though opinions may vary on what constitutes maximalist footwear, we at Natural Footgear would categorize any athletic or casual shoe with significant padding or material under the foot’s sole as maximalist. Our feet and footwear philosophy is quite clear, and one of the principles that we believe in most...
Read more
Toe spring is a design inclusion or element present in most conventional footwear, including athletic shoes. It’s touted as a positive feature (it’s said to assist in the toe-off phase of walking and running), but in reality, it is neither helpful nor necessary, and is, in fact, problematic for the foot and toes. Defined by the ramping or elevating of the toes above the forefoot, toe spring is a major...
Read more
In a world filled with generally atrocious and injurious shoes, there are many possible contenders for “worst type of footwear.” In reality, though, there exists a continuum of footwear, ranging from models that are practically unwearable to models that let you realize your full foot potential. Still, some shoes ignominiously rise above the rest when it comes to sheer awfulness. Because of the utter ridiculousness of their design and construction...
Read more
This is a situation we encounter from time to time in those who have made footwear purchases based on our recommendations, and there is a surprising amount of nuance packed into the question and the answer that goes with it. First off, it’s always disappointing to hear that somebody may have had a suboptimal experience with any of the footwear that we suggest using. We take great pride in recommending...
Read more
The wear pattern you see on the soles of your shoes provides important clues about your gait and how your feet are interacting with the world. The specific wear pattern mentioned above (outside, or “lateral,” heel) is typical among pretty much all wearers of conventional footwear that incorporates heel elevation, rigid soles, and substantial cushioning, and excessive wear in this location is particularly apparent in running and walking shoes. The...
Read more
