Are barefoot shoes good for flat feet?
When it comes to barefoot footwear, people are always confused about whether it is suitable for flat feet. To answer this question, in this blog, we explain:
What flat feet are?
What the evidence says about barefoot footwear and flat feet?
So, are you ready?
What are flat feet, exactly?
Having a flat foot is one of the most common disorders in humans. It’s typically painless and can be caused by genetics, injury or other lifestyle factors such as footwear choices you make for your daily life. A person's feet are considered “flat” when their inside arch has become horizontally opposed instead of being curved upward like normal arches do (we also have blogs on high-arched problems). However, this condition doesn't always leave patients feeling discomfort, some people may not know they suffer from it.
Some people think that because podiatry (the branch of medicine devoted to feet) often suggests insoles for supporting flat arches, they aren't able to use barefoot footwear. But we don’t believe this is true. The foot is the most powerful muscle in your body. Strong feet allow you to be more confident, active and healthier throughout life! Unfortunately, many people are living with weak or injured arches because their orthotics (insoles) restrict movement which limits blood flow and damages tissue. Leading them down an inevitable path toward chronic pain management instead of spinal strength building.
Barefooting means using the muscles and tendons in your feet, including arches. So if you want stronger feet then stick with a shoe that's not too high of heels for running or walking outside! Landing on them will be more towards mid forehead instead where there is less impact from heel striking which can help strengthen those aches we often experience when wearing shoes, especially at night time after long hours working computer minefields.
There is evidence suggesting barefoot is beneficial for flat feet.
The idea that going barefoot could help prevent and manage flat feet has been gaining momentum in recent years. More research is needed, but there's evidence pointing towards this as a possibility so far.
The research is clear: having strong feet can help you live a healthier lifestyle. When children in Manipal, India were studied by doctors from the University of Delaware and Harvard Medical School they found that those who walked barefoot at school had wider feet - an indication their arch was stronger than usual! Another study done by Corban university showed how running without shoes increases your chances for less pronation which may be beneficial if flat foot symptoms are present or wants to keep fit while focusing on other parts.
The idea that people with flat feet cannot go barefoot is outdated. The evidence shows they can and should try out this lifestyle! If you have this condition and are interested in barefoot living, we recommend two important things: see your specialist first to learn how it could benefit you or try slowing down at first so as not to alarm yourself too much when toes start tingling after being out of footwear for an extended period time frame.
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