Popular Q&A: Topics

Are Bunions Hereditary?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Are bunions hereditary?

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... Read more

Are Chiropractic Foot Adjustments Helpful?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Are chiropractic foot adjustments helpful?

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... Read more


Are Maximalist Shoes Good for the Feet?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Are maximalist shoes good for the feet?

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... Read more

Are There Any Exercises to Remove Bunions Instead of Surgery?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Are there any exercises to remove bunions instead of surgery?

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... Read more


At What Age Can Kids Start Wearing Correct Toes?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

At what age can kids start wearing Correct Toes?

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... Read more

Can Flat Feet Be Turned Into Arches Through Foot Exercises?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Can flat feet be turned into arches through exercise?

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... Read more


Can I Wear Toe Spacers With My Regular Socks?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Can I wear toe spacers with my regular socks?

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... Read more

Can Minimalist Footwear & Toe Spacers Help When Hiking?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Can minimalist footwear and toe spacers help when hiking?

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... Read more


Can Removing Shoe Liners Be Helpful?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Can removing shoe liners be helpful?

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... Read more

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

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Can using wide toe box footwear alone help restore proper toe splay?

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... Read more