Popular Q&A: Footwear: Problems

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

This is an important and frequently asked question, especially among those looking to combine the benefits of natural foot alignment with the performance of athletic footwear. At Natural Footgear, we advocate for tools and approaches that work with your body, not against it, and Correct Toes toe spacers are a cornerstone of that philosophy. Designed to realign your toes to their natural anatomical position, Correct Toes can yield remarkable improvements... Read more

When transitioning to minimalist shoes or increasing the distance you walk, preventing blisters and calluses comes down to a gradual adjustment process and paying close attention to how your feet respond. The key is to allow your feet to slowly adapt to the new footwear by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in them. This lets your feet and lower legs strengthen without overwhelming them. Start with short... 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

This is such an important—and incredibly common—question. First, let us say: We hear you. Foot pain, especially when it lingers despite your best efforts, can be both frustrating and disheartening. You’re trying to make informed, intentional choices, and yet something still doesn’t feel right. That gap between effort and outcome is precisely what led us, as doctors and educators, to launch Natural Footgear in the first place. We wanted to... 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