The truth is, most of us grew up wearing traditional shoes without ever questioning them. But here’s something wild: those narrow, stiff, and often clunky shoes can actually change the shape of our feet over time.
I'm sure that we have all had a conversation or two about cushioned running shoes preventing injury or the need for arch support to get rid of "flat" feet. These statements are myths.
Barefoot shoes—yes, the ones that look a little more like your actual foot—are designed to let feet move and grow the way nature intended. Especially for kids, who are still developing their strength and balance, that can make a huge difference.
For adult feet, we recommend a transitional period of time to move from traditional footwear to barefoot shoes as the body needs time to become accustomed to the difference in feeling and function. However once you make that switch, you won't look back. The men and women's Traversa and Tundra shoe is the perfect transitional shoe as it is foot-shaped in design, becomes really flexible and soft with use however it is not a thin, minimal sole where the feet have to become adjusted to feeling every bump and crevice through the shoe.
Our minimalist barefoot sneaker with a bucket sole will be the 'roll-up' type of barefoot shoe that many are after! We can't wait to add those to our range!
The main differences:
Barefoot shoes
- Improve toe alignment and foot strength
- Encourage healthier posture and natural gait mechanics
- Thin flexible soles on true minimalist shoes enhance sensory feedback to the brain and help with balance
- Barefoot shoes may also help prevent or improve certain conditions
Traditional shoes
- Work against the natural design and function of your feet and can result in toe deformation (bunions, hammertoes) due to the narrowed toe caps
- Weakens the muscles and joints especially in the arch of the foot as the feet have become dependent on arch support
- Due to the thicker soles with little to no pliability, ones feet cannot 'detect' terrain changing and therefore balance is affected as there is a decreased body awareness
Some helpful tips - if you're new to the world of barefoot shoes
- Start slow—walk barefoot at home frequently, and then on a coarse sandy beach, and then try a forest path, rocky terrain in time
- Strengthen feet with exercises - we recommend this Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@barefootstrength
- Gradually increase barefoot shoe usage
- Expect adaptation soreness, not injury
Barefoot shoes are designed to bring us back to our roots—literally. They mimic the experience of being barefoot while still offering protection, encouraging a more natural, connected, and healthy way of walking. Why not join the global barefoot movement? Your whole family will thank you.