Popular Q&A: Topics

Are Bunions Hereditary?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

A lot of people with bunions assume they are predisposed to developing this foot problem because their older relatives had bunions. But it's impossible to state that bunions are hereditary if all the members of one's family have worn shoes with tapering toe boxes. Shoes with this injurious design feature hold the big toe in a bunion configuration for prolonged periods and are the direct cause of bunions in most... Read more

Are Chiropractic Foot Adjustments Helpful?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT) involves the application of pressure to a specific joint or set of joints in the body (by a chiropractic physician) in order to improve the alignment and function of that joint or joints, or to reduce pain or discomfort in that region. When most people think of CMT, they think of manual (aka osseous) adjustments delivered to the spine, and this is indeed the most common... Read more

Are Maximalist Shoes Good for the Feet?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

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

Are Metatarsal Pads Better Than Orthotics for Flat Feet?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Flat feet, also known as pes valgus or pes planovalgus, is a health problem in which the foot lacks a normal or discernible arch when weight-bearing. Flat feet may be caused by numerous factors or other health problems, including—but not limited to—tendon injury or illness, neuromuscular conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy), conditions causing extremely flexible soft tissues, and tight Achilles tendons. Advanced age, excessive body weight, traumatic foot or ankle injuries,... Read more

Are There Any Exercises to Remove Bunions Instead of Surgery?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

The short answer is yes! But this depends on the severity of the bunion deformity and how long the problem has existed before beginning a bunion rehabilitation program. In our experience, we have found that the Big Toe Stretch is a helpful first-line exercise in achieving bunion correction. Stretching the tight muscles and tendons on the inside aspect of the big toe is an important step in this process, though... Read more

Are There Any Natural Approaches to Sesamoiditis?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

We understand how painful this problem can be and the degree to which it can affect your ability to perform weight-bearing activities. Considering the relatively small size of the sesamoid bones, the discomfort that's sometimes associated with them can have an outsized effect on your well-being and quality of life. Fortunately, we've found that natural treatment approaches can be quite helpful for this problem in many cases. We'll list some... Read more

At What Age Can Kids Start Wearing Correct Toes?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

This is a great question, and one that the team here at Natural Footgear often receives from curious parents. Quickly, though, before we dive into that topic, it’s important to note that long-term foot health is an incredible gift that parents can give to their children—a gift that will pay large quality of life dividends over time. It’s natural that parents want to ensure that their little ones put their best foot... Read more

Can Flat Feet Be Turned Into Arches Through Foot Exercises?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

In most cases, yes! In our experience, we’ve found that a combination of certain foot exercises and proper foot and toe positioning is a helpful and effective way to build or restore your main foot arch: the medial longitudinal arch. Many people who have flat feet benefit from exercises that return the big toe to its normal anatomical position; that is, splayed away from the second toe. Proper toe orientation... Read more

Can Hallux Limitus Be Reversed or Improved Through Natural Means?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

While every case is unique and some individuals may have more advanced joint degeneration than others, we firmly believe that hallux limitus can often be significantly improved—and in some cases, substantially reversed—through natural, non-invasive means. At Natural Footgear, we've seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone takes a proactive, holistic approach to foot health, especially when they catch the condition early or are willing to commit to consistent... Read more

Can I Comfortably Wear Minimalist Shoes on Concrete Floors?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

This is a question that we frequently receive here at Natural Footgear, and it’s a reasonable one to pose by those who spend long parts of most days in a weight-bearing situation on unyielding surfaces. The human body is incredibly resilient, and it’s our belief (and experience) that most people can, with the proper time, care, and consideration, reach a point where it’s possible to comfortably wear minimalist footwear on... Read more

Can I Wear Correct Toes in Popular Athletic Shoes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

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

Can I Wear Minimalist Shoes if I Have a Leg Length Discrepancy?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

It's usually possible to wear minimalist footwear even if one of your legs is shorter than the other, but there are a few important considerations to ensure comfort and avoid potential strain. Minimalist shoes are designed to encourage a natural foot strike and optimal alignment, which can be beneficial for your posture and overall gait. However, and as you are intimately aware, when one leg is shorter than the other,... Read more

Can I Wear Toe Spacers With My Regular Socks?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

One of the most common questions we receive at Natural Footgear is the following: “Can I wear Correct Toes toe spacers in combination with my regular socks?” The answer is, yes, absolutely. We do prefer combining Correct Toes with Injinji toe socks, as both products work synergistically to encourage natural toe splay and a variety of foot health benefits, but it is possible to use conventional (i.e., non-toe socks) socks... Read more

Can Minimalist Footwear & Toe Spacers Help When Hiking?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

The Natural Footgear team receives lots of messages each day from folks around the world who want to know more about natural foot health and the products we offer. One of the most common questions we receive involves hiking footwear. Specifically: “Can I benefit from minimalist footwear & toe spacers when hiking?” Giving serious consideration to your hiking footgear is crucial in ensuring a comfortable and injury-free trek. Indeed, the... Read more

Can Natural Approaches Help Address Neuromas in the Elderly?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

First, we’re truly sorry to hear that you're experiencing discomfort from Morton's neuromas in both of your feet, especially at 84 years old. It's wonderful that you're actively seeking ways to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life, though. While we’re not able to comment on your specific case without the benefit of a full health history interview and physical examination, we can offer some general suggestions on... Read more

Can Removing Shoe Liners Be Helpful?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Most modern footwear comes with a removable liner or insole that sits in the bed of the shoe. Many people try on shoes and wear them for most of their lives without considering how the liner affects the overall fit and function of the shoe. It’s worth asking: If the liner was never meant to be removed, wouldn’t it be stitched into the shoe? Could it be that the shoe... Read more

Can Using Wide Toe Box Footwear Alone Help Restore Proper Toe Splay?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Getting into a pair of men's or women's wide toe box shoes (specifically, shoes that are widest at the ends of the toes, not the ball of the foot) is vitally important in preventing additional toe deformities and in creating the circumstances that allow for true toe rehabilitation. So, a wide toe box shoe (which should also, ideally, possess a completely flat and flexible sole) is crucial in preventing a... Read more

Can Walking Barefoot on Modern Surfaces Be Harmful?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

It’s true that most shod humans are not currently adapted to walk or run barefoot on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have the capacity to do so. Our feet are remarkably adaptable and can, with time and careful exposure, learn to tolerate a wide variety of surfaces—soft, hard, smooth, or bumpy—as long as the foot is strong and free of acquired, footwear-induced... Read more

Do Different Foot Shapes Require Different Minimalist Shoe Styles?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

At Natural Footgear, we firmly believe that finding the right minimalist shoe begins with understanding your unique foot shape and biomechanics. While conventional footwear often forces feet into a narrow, standardized mold, minimalist shoes should work with your natural anatomy, not against it. People have varying foot structures—some have wide forefeet and narrow heels, others have high or low arches, and some may have longer second toes (Morton’s toe). These... Read more

Do Men Develop Bunions?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Bunions are often considered to be a female-specific foot problem, but the truth is, these deformities frequently occur in people of all genders and ages (apart from the very youngest in our society, at least until conventional footwear is adopted). For women who wear high-heeled footwear frequently throughout their life, the likelihood of developing a bunion is quite high. However, due to the flawed shape and construction of modern shoes,... Read more

Does Correct Toes Need to Sit at the Base of the Toes to Be Effective?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Some Correct Toes wearers may find that the spacers tend to sit a little further out on the toes, toward the ends of the toes, and this is perfectly fine. It does not in any way impact the effectiveness of the device or (for most people) how comfortable it feels on the toes. Many of the images showing the spacers in use have the device positioned near the base of... Read more

How Can I Exercise if I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

In most cases, the pain or discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis is usually sufficient to thwart participation in athletic activities. Still, athletes who experience this problem may wish to continue exercising while the condition heals, and this may be possible, depending on the severity of the plantar fascia pain and what steps are taken to address it. Plantar fasciitis, or more accurately, plantar fasciosis (renamed as such because the condition... Read more

How Can I Prevent Blisters When Transitioning to Minimalist Shoes?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

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

How Can I Treat Numbness in My Second Toe?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Numbness in the feet, including the second toe, may be the result of nerve impingement or nerve damage, and it can be caused by numerous health problems, including diabetes, Buerger's disease and other circulatory problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, and interdigital neuromas, among other causes. Diabetes is a common cause of foot numbness, and nerve damage is one of the principal consequences of diabetes. Alcohol consumption can increase the rate of... Read more

How Do I Fix My Flat Feet?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Flat feet is among the most common foot ailments in adults and occurs when the tendons binding the foot together become loose. There are various causes of flat feet, including tendon injuries, neuromuscular disorders, conditions causing extremely flexible soft tissues, and tight achilles tendons (also known as equinogenic flat feet). In rare cases, flat feet may be caused by a condition known as tarsal coalition, which occurs when two or... Read more

How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Switch to Minimalist Footwear?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Deciding to switch to minimalist footwear is a crucial step in promoting natural foot health and improving foot function, but it's essential to assess your state of readiness before embracing this change. In this vein, there are a number of factors to consider when determining if you’re ready to make this transition. From our perspective, then, the following are the most important things to evaluate when considering whether to switch... Read more

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Minimalist Shoes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

A key benefit of minimalist footwear is its durability—thanks to their simple yet robust design, many pairs can last for years with the proper care. However, just like any well-loved tool, minimalist shoes don’t last forever. The challenge is that, unlike traditional footwear with thick foam midsoles that visibly compress or break down, minimalist shoes often wear out in less obvious ways. Knowing when to replace them requires paying attention... Read more

How Do I Put on Vibram FiveFingers?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Vibram FiveFingers are, for many, the ultimate minimalist shoe. Designed to fit your foot like a glove, these flexible-soled toe shoes enable a high degree of tactile feedback as you move about on varied terrain, and they allow your foot to act like a healthy bare foot inside your shoe. They meet our criteria for foot-healthy footwear—they are, in fact, exemplary of it—so for people who already have some experience... Read more

How Do I Track Foot Health Gains While Using Correct Toes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

At Natural Footgear, we often say that foot health is a journey, not a destination. While Correct Toes is a powerful tool for realigning your toes, addressing a variety of common foot and toe problems, and restoring natural foot function, the changes they help create are often gradual and subtle at first. Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and tuned in to the ways your body is responding.... Read more

How Do Metatarsal Pads Help Restore Proper Forefoot Fat Pad Positioning?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Two of the main metatarsal pad functions—restoring proper forefoot fat pad positioning and spreading out the transverse foot arch—are quite independent. In the case of the former, it's really the toe spring built into conventional footwear—and the associated toe flexor/extensor muscle imbalance it creates—that's responsible for shifting the fat pad to a position further out on the foot, closer to the ends of the toes. Metatarsal pads, which should be... Read more

How Do Metatarsal Pads Work?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Metatarsal pads may be small and unobtrusive, but they are mighty when it comes to aiding the foot and addressing a variety of foot ills. The forefoot fat pad—a natural structure in all feet—is intended to sit underneath the ball of the foot and cushion and cradle the metatarsal heads at the point where they contact the ground. Wearing conventional shoes (i.e., shoes with elevated heels, tapering toe boxes, toe... Read more

How Do You Prevent a Bunion From Getting Worse?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

A natural approach to bunion rehabilitation can, in many cases, be very helpful in preventing the deformity from getting worse, though this always depends on the severity of the bunion and how long the problem has existed before beginning a foot and toe rehabilitation program. In our experience, we have found that the Big Toe Stretch is an effective frontline approach in preventing the worsening of a bunion. This exercise... Read more

How Does the Big Toe Affect Athletic Performance?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

The big toe plays a far more significant role in athletic performance than most people realize. Often overlooked in conventional training programs, this powerful digit is crucial for balance, propulsion, and overall movement efficiency. Whether sprinting, cutting, jumping, or stabilizing, a strong and mobile big toe provides the foundation for optimal biomechanics. Unfortunately, restrictive footwear and poor movement habits often limit big toe function, leading to diminished athletic potential and... Read more

How Long Before I Feel the Benefits of Correct Toes Toe Spacers?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

We find that most people, most of the time, experience some immediate relief, with continued positive musculoskeletal health benefits occurring over months and years. Of course, results may be different for different people, and the direct and indirect health benefits of Correct Toes depends on many factors, including your age, your tissue mobility, how frequently you use your Correct Toes toe spacers, your physical activity level, and how often you... Read more

How Long Will Correct Toes Last With Daily Walking?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

In answering this question, it’s worth acknowledging that Correct Toes is thoughtfully designed to be both durable and flexible. Crafted from medical-grade silicone, these spacers are built to withstand regular, even rigorous, use. If you're wearing them daily for walking—especially in compatible, wide toe box footwear—they should serve you well for quite a long time. That said, like all tools that support natural foot function, their lifespan does depend on... Read more

How to Tape Flat Feet to Prevent Pain When Barefoot?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

For a lot of people, plantar taping is a simple and effective way to relieve bottom-of-foot pain caused by a variety of foot problems. This video features sports podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan, who demonstrates the plantar taping technique. It does take a little bit of time to become proficient at this method, especially if you’re performing it on yourself, but most people find this to be a helpful approach to... Read more

How Will the Use of Natural Footgear Help Address My Metatarsalgia?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

First things first, the term “metatarsalgia” is a general, or umbrella, term for any cause of pain or discomfort in the ball of the foot. Possible causes of metatarsalgia include neuromas, sesamoiditis, capsulitis, gout, and metatarsal fractures, to name a few among many. Determining the precise cause of the ball of foot pain is important in deciding how to address it. Of course, it's always important to get evaluated by... Read more

How Would Our Feet Develop Without Shoes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

In order to understand how our feet would develop without shoes, we need look no further than barefoot cultures that currently exist around the world in places like Asia, Africa, and South and Central America. The feet of barefoot individuals are characterized by strong, sturdy arches, thick calluses on the underside of the foot, and perfectly straight toes that are splayed well apart. In shoe-wearing societies, we have lost the... Read more

Is Barefoot Walking Good for Me?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Barefoot walking is part of our natural foot health heritage. Our ancestors walked barefoot across a variety of terrain and in a variety of climatic conditions. Many people around the world still walk barefoot, or in minimalist footwear, without experiencing the kind of foot and toe issues—such as bunions, crooked toes, and neuromas—that plague many shoe-wearing individuals. So, is walking barefoot a good strategy for achieving optimal foot health? For... Read more

Is Correct Toes Meant to Be Worn All Day?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

This is a question we often hear from folks beginning their journey toward optimal foot health. At Natural Footgear, we consider Correct Toes to be a tool for long-term transformation, not just a temporary fix. While the ultimate goal is to wear Correct Toes comfortably for extended periods—including all day, if possible—this outcome depends on the individual’s starting point. Factors such as foot structure, footwear choices, activity level, and how... Read more

Is It Helpful to Stretch the Bottom of the Foot for Plantar Fasciitis?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Countless individuals suffer from heel pain stemming from plantar fasciosis (or, as the condition is commonly mislabeled, plantar fasciitis). The agitating pain associated with this foot problem leaves many folks desperate for relief. Unfortunately, not all of the information about how to relieve plantar fascia pain is accurate or helpful. A lot of people, for example, have heard that stretching the plantar fascia (i.e., the bottom of the foot) is... Read more

Is It Too Late to Start Working on My Feet?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Through our work at Natural Footgear, we frequently come into contact with older individuals who are wondering about this very question. In most cases, these folks have worn conventional footwear for many decades and are now dealing with deep-seated foot issues, including toe stiffness and misalignment, among other problems, that are challenging to resolve. Many of these people have tried conventional foot care approaches and found that they were unhelpful... Read more

Is the Little Toe a Vestigial Structure? Why or Why Not?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

A vestigial structure is an organ or physical attribute that has lost some, most, or all of its original or ancestral function but yet is still retained by members of a given species. Examples of vestigial structures in humans may include the palmaris longus muscle, the pyramidalis muscle, wisdom teeth, and the plica semilunaris (a fold of conjunctiva at the eye's inner corner). Suggesting that the little toe is a... Read more

Should I Wear My Correct Toes at Night?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Many people do indeed wear their Correct Toes to bed as a “night splint” to help passively restore toe splay and address a variety of common foot and toe ailments. Perhaps the biggest benefit of wearing Correct Toes during sleep, though, is improved foot and toe circulation. Keeping your toes splayed at night encourages optimal foot blood flow, which means that blood can get into and out of your foot... Read more

What Are the Benefits of Foot-Healthy Footwear?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

It's important to understand the potential benefits associated with foot-healthy footwear (i.e., flexible-soled, zero-drop, wide toe box shoes, boots, and sandals) for overall foot health and biomechanics in order to get the most out of them. Based on our foot health philosophy and our own personal experience, the top such benefits are the following. Natural Foot Positioning: Foot-healthy shoes position the heel and forefoot at the same height, promoting a... Read more

What Are the Best Shoes for Bunions?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

While footwear alone is not likely to fully correct or heal a bunion, it can certainly have a massive impact on any bunion-related discomfort you experience as well as whether or not your bunion progresses and becomes more severe. The right footwear can also give you the best possible shot at rehabilitating your toes and restoring optimal foot health. So, paying close attention to the footwear you use on a... Read more

What Are the Best Ways to Strengthen the Ankle?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

There are a number of exercises you can do to strengthen and stabilize your ankles as a way to prevent (or recover from) ankle sprains. In our experience, we have found the most helpful exercises to be the ones associated with the BlackBoard Basic, Human Locomotion ToePro, Human Locomotion Two-to-One Ankle Rockboard, and Naboso Kinesis Board foot gym tools. These tools are fantastic for improving ankle strength, and they allow... Read more

What Are the Different Types of Toe Spring Built Into Shoes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

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

What Are the General Health Benefits of Rehabilitating My Feet?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

This question really gets to the heart of why foot health matters far beyond the feet themselves. Your feet serve as the foundation for your entire body, influencing posture, movement efficiency, and even joint health. When your feet are strong, supple, and properly aligned, they provide a stable and responsive base that supports optimal biomechanics throughout your entire musculoskeletal system. On the other hand, if your feet are weak, misaligned,... Read more

What Are the Worst Types of Footwear?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

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

What Are Your Thoughts on Pregnancy & Foot Care?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Of the many significant health considerations that receive attention during (and after) pregnancy, foot care is something that is often overlooked or downplayed in terms of its importance. But it is important because it has a massive impact on your comfort, your quality of life, and your ability to get around. Most of the foot-related changes that occur during pregnancy are temporary, though some may be permanent—each set of feet... Read more

What Can I Do to Improve My Balance & Stability?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

We're glad to hear that you're interested in improving your balance and stability, and we support your desire to make gains in both of these important areas—areas that are sometimes thought to be one and the same, though they are not. To clarify, then, balance entails maintaining your center of mass within the confines of your support base, whether stationary or in motion. Stability, on the other hand, concerns your... Read more

What Do You Think About Birkenstocks?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

At Natural Footgear, we believe that any footwear should be evaluated based on how well it supports the natural structure and function of the human foot. Birkenstock sandals often come up in discussions of “healthy footwear,” and while they’re certainly a step up from many conventional options, they’re not without their drawbacks. In essence, Birkenstocks fall somewhere in the middle of the footwear health spectrum: Not inherently harmful in all... Read more

What Exercises Can You Do for Foot Pain?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Foot pain can be caused by numerous factors, so there is no one exercise regimen that will address all possible causes of foot pain. However, in our experience, we’ve found that the following exercises can help rehabilitate the foot by improving its function, which in turn may reduce pain or discomfort, especially when these exercises are performed in combination with other therapies suggested by your healthcare provider. Here are a... Read more

What if My New Shoes Aren’t Correct Toes Compatible?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

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

What Is Most Misunderstood About Minimalist Footwear?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

At Natural Footgear, we believe in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their footwear. One of the most common misconceptions people have about barefoot or minimalist shoes is that they are only for people who are already accustomed to walking or running barefoot. Many assume that switching to minimalist shoes will be uncomfortable or even harmful. In reality, these shoes are designed to support natural foot mechanics, not to... Read more

What Is the Best Advice to Deal With Shin Splints?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Shin splints is among the most painful lower leg problems experienced by athletes and active individuals. The pain associated with shin splints is caused by a disruption of Sharpey’s fibers—collagenous fibers that connect lower leg fascia to the tibia’s periosteum. The impact forces that occur during repetitive stress (especially when using poor footwear) cause excessive pulling on these fibers, which leads to irritation of the periosteum and shin splints. This... Read more

What Is the Best Treatment for Flat Feet?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Flat feet is one of the most common foot problems affecting adults. It occurs when the tendons that bind the foot together become loose. As a person grows, these tendons should tighten to help form the foot’s medial longitudinal arch. This tendon tightening occurs in most people by the age of three. Flat feet is often painless in adults, but it can lead to low back pain in certain individuals,... Read more

What Is the Shoe Liner Test? How Do I Interpret It?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

The Shoe Liner Test is an important measure of how foot-healthy a shoe is and whether or not the shoe will accommodate natural toe splay (ideally enabled by Correct Toes). One of the most common questions we receive pertaining to the Shoe Liner Test is the following: “My toes spill over the shoe's liner a little bit. Do you think the shoes are sufficiently wide for my feet and toes?”... Read more

What Lifestyle Changes or Habits Are Best for Preventing Foot Pain?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

One of the most effective habits you can develop is simply spending more time barefoot or in healthy-foot-shaped, zero-drop footwear. This encourages natural toe splay, strengthens intrinsic foot muscles, and allows your feet to function as they were designed. Walking barefoot on varied terrain—such as grass, sand, or even gravel—provides natural stimulation and helps train foot stability and proprioception. If you’re used to conventional footwear, transitioning gradually can make a... Read more

What “Non-Conventional” Shoes Are Best for Avid Hikers?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

For avid hikers seeking a non-conventional approach to footwear, we strongly recommend shoes, boots, or sandals that prioritize natural foot function, allowing your feet to move, splay, and adapt as nature intended. Conventional hiking boots often come with rigid soles, elevated heels, toe spring, and tapering toe boxes that restrict natural movement and can contribute to long-term foot issues. Instead, we advocate for minimalist, healthy-foot-shaped hiking footwear that offers a... Read more

What Preventative Exercises Can Strengthen Intrinsic Foot Muscles?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

The intrinsic foot muscles (aka plantar arch muscles) are a group of muscles that originate at the heel bone and attach to the toes. Operating in conjunction with the toe bones to provide a basis of strength, flexibility, and balance, these muscles are integral for optimal foot health. So what exercises can you do to strengthen them? And what can that do for your overall health? The first step in... Read more

What Questions Should I Be Asking a Prospective Foot Care Provider?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

A knowledgeable and competent foot care professional is an important ally to have in achieving optimal foot health, and establishing a relationship with such a person can be very helpful in meeting your immediate and long-term foot health goals. Of course, not all foot care providers practice in the same manner, and it’s important to find a practitioner whose style and approach makes sense to you. Interviewing a prospective foot... Read more

What Role Does Arch Function Play in Cross-Country Skiing?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Arch function plays a critical role in cross-country skiing performance, and understanding how to optimize it can have a profound impact on both your efficiency and long-term foot health. The arch is not just a static structure—it’s a dynamic, spring-like system designed to absorb impact, store energy, and facilitate powerful movement. In Nordic skiing, where propulsion and glide efficiency are paramount, a well-functioning arch helps you generate and transfer force... Read more

What’s the Impact of Natural Footgear on Posture?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

The footgear we feature on our site supports natural foot function by promoting proper alignment and encouraging the foot’s muscles and structures to work as they were intended. When your feet are properly aligned, it helps improve the positioning of the rest of your body, including your ankles, knees, hips, and spine. This alignment can lead to better overall posture, as it reduces compensations and strain that can occur from... Read more

What’s the Impact of Rucking on Feet?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Rucking—walking or hiking with a weighted pack—has become a popular outdoor health and fitness activity in recent years and has long been an important part of military training to help build stamina and resilience in soldiers. We've personally found rucking to be an incredible full-body workout that strengthens the legs, core, upper body, and the cardiovascular system. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways we've found to improve... Read more

What Types of Activities Is Minimalist Footwear Best Suited For?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Here at Natural Footgear, we are, of course, big fans of minimalist footwear, as we feel it offers users the opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient foot and enhance foot function. We also believe that minimalist footwear has a broad range of potential uses but is, perhaps, best suited for activities that prioritize natural movement and foot health. Here are some activities, then, for which minimalist shoes tend to... Read more

What Will I Feel or Notice When I Start Using Correct Toes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Correct Toes is a game-changing foot health tool that can help you achieve optimal foot health in a number of ways and stands above all other toe spacer options on the market today in terms of quality, comfort, and effectiveness. If you haven’t used Correct Toes or other toe spacing devices before, you might be wondering what you will feel or notice once you start using the device. For some,... Read more

Why Are Conventional Shoes and Orthotics Still Widely Used?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Despite mounting evidence highlighting the drawbacks of conventional footwear and orthotics, these products remain remarkably prevalent. One major reason is the deep entrenchment of cultural norms and aesthetic standards that prioritize fashion over function. Pointy-toed shoes, elevated heels, toe spring, and rigid soles are all features that have become synonymous with style and social status, even though they compromise the foot’s natural shape and function. For decades, these design elements... Read more

Why Do My Feet Hurt Even Though I Wear “Sensible” Shoes?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

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

Why Do My Shoes Always Wear Out in the Same Spot?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

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

Why Do People Wear Toe Spacers?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

A normal and natural human foot is widest at the ends of the toes, not at the ball of the foot. According to numerous decades-old studies, people who have gone barefoot or who have worn only minimalist footwear most of their lives—which is common in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South and Central America—have feet that are widest at the ends of the toes, and their... Read more

Why Do Some People Have a Longer Second Toe Than Big Toe?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Every set of feet is unique! Among the many possible foot characteristics that vary from person to person are: arch height, foot and toe width, and foot and toe length. Some people (probably somewhere between 20-30 percent of the population) possess an index toe (i.e., second toe) that is longer than the big toe. This is known as Morton’s toe, and it is hereditary. In most cases, the index toe... Read more

Why Has My Shoe Size Increased Since Switching to Wide Toe Box Minimalist Footwear?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

This is a question that we commonly receive from customers and site visitors! The truth is, most folks who adopt foot-healthy footwear (i.e., shoes that stay out of the way of your feet) in combination with other helpful footgear (e.g., toe spacers, toe socks, metatarsal pads, sole-stimulating insoles, etc.) experience a lengthening of the feet. It's not so much that the feet are growing after adopting minimalist and foot-shaped footwear,... Read more

Why Is Correct Toes More Expensive Than Other Toe Spacers?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

It's true that Correct Toes costs more than other toe spacing devices, and people often wonder why this is so. Here's why: Correct Toes is more than just a premium product; it represents an entire approach to foot care that upends decades of conventional foot care treatments. As such, it's a product that requires extensive educational resources to instruct users about its many applications, uses, merits, and nuances. Indeed, the... Read more

Will My Feet Hurt if I Don’t Use a Shoe Liner or Insole?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Most people never consider removing their shoe liner or insole, assuming that it’s a necessary inclusion in footwear, but we’ve found this to be an excellent way to enhance the fit and feel of almost any shoe. Removing the liner provides additional space to allow your toes to spread out naturally and—with the reduced stack height that comes with removing the liner—allows your foot to function more like a bare... Read more