FAQ

2. What’s “natural” about your natural footgear?

The footgear we carry is natural in that it allows your foot to function the way nature intended. Our products are all about restoring proper foot form and function, which (for most people in our society) has been compromised by conventional footwear. The products we offer help realign your toes to a natural, splayed position, promote your inherent foot strength and integrity, and restore the proper tone and positioning of your foot structures.

3. What criteria do you use when selecting your products?

We have strict selection criteria for the products we carry. All products we carry must be durable, cost-effective for you, and offer you a profound opportunity to realize long-term foot health. As physicians, if we don’t think a product has tremendous value or if we ourselves don’t (or wouldn’t) use it, we will not pass it along to you. We believe that it is better to carry a few high-quality and effective products than hundreds of products of questionable value. We cut through the hype to give you what you need.

4. Why do you recommend combining certain products?

We recommend combining certain products (e.g., men's or women's foot-healthy footwear + Correct Toes + Injinji toe socks + Pedag metatarsal pads + Naboso insoles) because of the synergistic foot health effects possible. The products we carry are each effective on their own, but truly wonderful things happen when they are combined and used appropriately. The product combination mentioned above is the best answer we can give you about how to achieve and maintain lifelong foot and lower extremity musculoskeletal health.

5. What is a minimalist shoe?

Many shoe companies claim to produce minimalist shoes, but most of these shoes still include one or more problematic (i.e., injurious) design features. A true minimalist, or barefoot, shoe is completely flat from heel to toe, possesses a flexible sole, and is widest at the ends of the toes. A minimalist shoe should be nothing more than a basic foot covering or ornamental dressing, and it should allow your foot to function like a bare foot inside your shoe. Read more about our definition of a healthy shoe.

6. Is the minimalist model a fad?

The minimalist model is a trend, not a fad, and it’s here to stay. Consumers are beginning to realize the benefits of minimalist shoes and healthy footgear in supporting their immediate and long-term foot and lower extremity health. Evidence (both scientific and empirical) of the effectiveness of this model will continue to mount over time as more and more people regain their natural foot health heritage using conservative techniques.

7. Is your foot health philosophy backed by science?

A more natural approach to foot health (i.e., no surgeries, orthotics, or drugs) is sometimes accused of being anti-scientific or not scientifically proven. We’ve compiled a list of scholarly articles and writing that should convince almost any skeptic that this more natural approach to foot health has significant merit. But the real proof is in how you respond to the products and information we offer. We encourage you to research foot health in unshod populations and try our gear for yourself. Our money-back guarantee ensures that your experiment will be risk-free.

8. Is your approach to foot care cost-effective?

Absolutely, especially when you consider the cost of most conventional foot treatments. A pair of custom orthotics can cost you anywhere from $300 to $500 or more, and foot surgery can cost you thousands of dollars. And there is no guarantee that either of these approaches will work. What we’re offering you is a long-term solution at only a fraction of the cost of other conventional approaches.

9. How do I select the appropriate size of Correct Toes? Shoes?

Please see the "Sizing" tab on the Correct Toes product pages. Correct Toes comes in three different sizes (Small, Medium, and Large). Modifications of the device (to help further customize the fit) are possible, and some of the most common of these are demonstrated in this video. If you are still unsure about what size might be best for you, our best recommendation is to order two sizes and then return the size that doesn't fit as well for a refund.

We provide specific sizing instructions for each shoe brand and model on the individual shoe pages. Click on the "Sizing" tab on any shoe page to get the best sizing info for that specific shoe, boot, or sandal. If you are still unsure about what size might be best for you, our best recommendation is to order two sizes and then return the size that doesn't fit as well for a refund.

10. How can I contact you with questions about my order?

Send us an e-mail at info@naturalfootgear.com or use the form on the Contact page of our website if you have questions about your order. We’ll send you a reply as soon as possible. Typical turnaround time on e-mail queries is 24 hours or less (and often much sooner).

11. How do you ship your products?

We offer shipping through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Visit our Shipping and Returns page for more information about our shipping practices. We supply all our customers with shipping and tracking information via email. If you don't appear to have received this information, please check your spam folder, as Order Confirmation and Shipping & Tracking messages sometimes end up there. Your order will be processed quickly and your footgear shipped out to you as soon as possible after we receive your order.

12. Do you ship to locations outside the United States?

Yes, we ship to locations outside the United States via USPS. Please note that all customs fees levied by your country are your sole responsibility. Visit our Shipping and Returns page for more information about international shipping. Please note that all international orders take at least several days (and sometimes as much as one week) to process before the order ships.

13. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Please see our Money-Back Guarantee page for more details.

14. What is your return policy?

Footgear in its original condition can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it, as long as it’s in its original, unblemished condition and with its original packaging. We also offer a 90-day materials warranty for certain footgear if it breaks down under athletic use. Please see our Shipping and Returns and Money-Back Guarantee pages for more information about our return policy.