Altra running and walking shoes are foot-healthy athletic footwear that encourage your feet to function the way nature intended. Featuring a healthy-foot-shaped toe box, these shoes allow your toes to spread and splay naturally, reducing the risk of common foot issues like bunions or blisters. The zero-drop platform—where your heel and forefoot are on a level plane—encourages a more natural midfoot or forefoot strike, which can alleviate pressure on your...
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The Astral Loyak may just be the hybrid champion of the minimalist footwear field. Marketed—and highly touted—as a water shoe, the impressive Loyak is as functional on land as it is on a boat, SUP, or rocky creek bed. With its foot-healthy design features and its ultra-sticky Flex Grip outsole, the Astral Loyak promotes exceptional balance, stability, and foot function on all manner of terrain, surfaces, and grades. The hydrophobic...
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Every now and then a product comes along that's so simple, yet so brilliant in design that it makes you wonder why it never previously existed. The Catalyst Pedal by Pedaling Innovations is just such a product. Some readers may know that we—Natural Footgear co-founders Drs. Marty and Robyn Hughes—are avid road cyclists. We have been trialing these new pedals for some time now, and we’d like to share with...
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The very first of its kind, Correct Toes remains the most popular toe spacing device available to consumers today. The nature of the device—and the simple yet powerful function it performs—offers those dealing with foot pain hope for relief (at long last). It also offers users the possibility of experiencing a wide range of foot and musculoskeletal health benefits, as well as developing the kind of foot strength and resilience...
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Created for active individuals seeking both performance and foot health, Correct Toes Sport represents the next evolution in natural toe alignment. Building on the trusted foundation of the more medically oriented Correct Toes Original design, this sport-specific version offers a more flexible, responsive fit that adapts seamlessly to dynamic movement—whether you're running trails, powering through a gym session, or navigating everyday life. Correct Toes Sport encourages realignment of your toes to their...
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When it comes to innovative footgear that promotes genuine foot health, few products have sparked as much interest or generated as many questions as Correct Toes StableToe—an ergonomically designed toe spacing device that helps realign your big toe in its natural anatomical position. As long-time advocates for natural foot function who’ve tested a wide range of toe spacing products, we were particularly eager to evaluate this new offering from the creators...
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When it comes to functional outdoor footwear, the Lems Boulder Boot is a true pioneer. Touted for its many impressive design features (as well as its comfort), the Boulder Boot has long been a go-to option for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to flash some style around town. Baked into this boot are a number of design features that are intended to let your foot do the walking, so to...
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The Lems Chelsea Boot is an attractive and versatile footwear offering that exists at the crossroads of chic design and high practicality. In a step toward fashion-forward footwear, Lems has managed to retain a foot-healthy fit in a shoe that’s as classy as it is functional. With premium full-grain leather or suede uppers and a durable sole, these boots—an up-leveled take on a beloved classic—perform as well on the trail...
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With a foot-healthy design and stylish appeal, the Lems Chillum is an exciting addition to the Lems lineup. Built using the same last as the celebrated Boulder Boot, this attractive casual option is an easy pick for errands around town, dinner out with friends and loved ones, or workplace functions that call for smart footwear. If you’re already a fan of the Lems Boulder Boot, look no further for a low-cut,...
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When it comes to combining style, comfort, and functionality in a single boot, the Lems Chukka Grip stands out as a versatile option for those who demand more from their footwear. Designed with both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts in mind, this boot offers a thoughtful balance of lightweight construction and durable grip, making it equally at home on city streets or rugged trails. Indeed, whether you’re navigating your daily...
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The Lems Nine2Five V2, the updated successor to the original Nine2Five, is an attractive, foot-healthy, lightweight Derby dress shoe for men that’s appropriate for both business and casual settings. Tailored to those who crave the freedom of natural foot movement without compromising on professional aesthetics, this shoe redefines what it means to wear a work shoe. Whether you're navigating a long day at the office, hustling through an airport terminal,...
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Among functional footwear, the Lems Primal 2 is a true standout. Hailed for its foot-friendly design, comfort, and overall attractiveness, the Primal 2 has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular minimalist shoe models in the Natural Footgear community. Lightweight, foldable, and easily packable, this travel-ready shoe has also become a favorite of folks on the move who want a truly multifaceted option...
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The Lems Primal 3 is a paragon of minimalist design, a comfortable and accommodating home for a wide variety of foot shapes and sizes, and the next-generation version of its illustrious antecedent, the Primal 2. This uncompromising minimalist everyday shoe celebrates the inherent beauty and integrity of the human foot and permits it to function in a natural way, free of the encumbrances and attempted augmentations that are so prevalent...
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The Lems Primal Eco shoe represents the perfect fusion of minimalist design, comfort, and sustainability for those seeking a natural approach to footwear. Crafted with the conscious consumer in mind, the Primal Eco's upper incorporates up to 50 percent recycled materials, making it not only a versatile and lightweight option but also a responsible choice for the planet. With a wide toe box that allows for natural toe splay and...
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After testing the Lems Primal Pursuit over a range of conditions, climates, and activities, we’ve been impressed by its incredible versatility and its ability to handle everything we've thrown at it. Sporting a durable design and a foot-friendly environment, this shoe is thoughtfully constructed and out-of-the-box-ready for your next adventure. With the Primal Pursuit, Lems has managed to create an exceptionally lightweight shoe that you hardly notice until you put...
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After over a decade of success with the Primal 2, Lems has now introduced a new iteration—a whole new model, really—to complement their beloved, zero-drop staple: The Primal Zen! With a similar yet modernized look, the Primal Zen is a reimagined Primal 2, equipped with a bit more cushioning and a slightly wider toe box. The flexible injection-blown rubber (IBR) outsole is ideal for a wide range of activities, and...
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As lovers of the great outdoors, we know the importance of using footwear that aligns with our pursuits. As advocates for natural foot health, we understand the role that foot-friendly footwear plays in gait, posture, and musculoskeletal health and function. As appreciators of shoe aesthetics, we value the appearance of footwear and the role that this plays in us reaching for a given pair of shoes or boots. It's quite...
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When it comes to footwear that combines comfort, durability, and versatility, Luna sandals stand out as a top choice for anyone who loves running, walking, trekking, or living an outdoor lifestyle. These lightweight minimalist sandals are designed to let your feet move naturally, promoting healthy posture and proper alignment while tackling a variety of terrain. Inspired by traditional huaraches, Luna sandals give your toes the freedom they need to stay...
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Finding the perfect solution for foot pain can sometimes feel like an endless search, especially for those who spend long hours on their feet. Whether you're an athlete pushing through intense workouts, a professional navigating long shifts, or simply someone seeking greater comfort in everyday movement, the right foot pad, provided it’s unobtrusive, can make all the difference. Strutz Pro foot pads offer you a natural, noninvasive way to improve...
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Vibram FiveFingers shoes stand at the intersection of innovation and functionality, offering a truly distinctive experience for those who seek a more natural, barefoot-like feel without sacrificing performance. With their individual toe sleeves and ultra-minimalist design, these shoes allow for an unparalleled sense of foot freedom and flexibility, encouraging your body to move as it was meant to. Whether you're an avid runner, a dedicated hiker, or simply someone looking...
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Founded in 2009 as a small, boutique company manufacturing DIY sandals, Xero Shoes has since become an industry staple in the minimalist footwear market, producing a wide variety of ready-made sandals and closed-toe shoes and boots in both the athletic and casual footwear spheres. With the thoughtfully designed HFS, Xero has shown how attention to detail can improve barefoot-style running and athletic shoes, providing an option for both competitive and...
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The Xero Kelso is a foot-health-positive minimalist shoe that seamlessly blends sporty style with formidable function. Known for their ultraminimalist approach to footwear, Xero has, in the Kelso, created a court-style hybrid that’s equally at home in the gym as it is at the coffee shop. With a combination suede and full-grain leather upper, the Xero Kelso sports an attractive look that most users will find compelling. A 6 mm...
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The Xero Prio has long been a favorite among minimalist footwear enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of comfort, durability, and versatility. Designed for those who crave a more natural connection to the ground without sacrificing performance, the Prio—one of Xero’s signature offerings—stands out in a crowded marketplace of athletic shoes. Whether you’re hitting the trails, training at the gym, or simply going about your day-to-day routine, this foot-friendly shoe promises...
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In the world of natural foot health and minimalist footwear, Xero is a true pioneer and a company that remains committed to the core values that underpin its varied offerings. In the greater barefoot shoe sphere, it’s proven challenging for many manufacturers to incorporate foot-healthy principles and design features into a rugged hiking shoe, but Xero has taken a heroic crack at it with the Xcursion Fusion. In assessing this...
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When it comes to adventure-ready footwear, striking the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and minimalist design is no easy feat. The Xero Z-Trail EV sandal promises just that—a lightweight, trail-tested alternative to bulky hiking shoes, built for those who crave both foot freedom and protection underfoot. Whether you’re a seasoned ultralight backpacker or simply searching for a reliable warm-weather sandal, the Z-Trail EV performs well across various terrain, from rocky...
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