WHY BAREFOOT ?
The right shoe protects the foot from cold, heat and injury. At the same time, it does not deform it. Such shoes are called BAREFOOT.
Most importantly they allow feet freedom of movement and fulfill their natural functions. By nature, the foot is able to move efficiently on all surfaces, absorb shocks, and is capable of thermoregulation. Only we must let them experience that.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BAREFOOT SHOES
- Natural shape
- Wide toe box
- Lightweight
- Thin, flexible sole
- Zero drop
- No arch support
The foot has become a forgotten sensory organ of the body. Modern footwear led us to not feeling our feet and suppressing their function when eventually feet weaken and become a passive element. However, when walking barefoot or in suitable shoes our feet allow us to obtain very valuable information. Their ability is to perceive the terrain, to read its structure and thus to get to know the world we walk on!
Watch out for heels! The heel shortens the back of the leg muscles and changes the natural alignment of the spine. It increases the pressure on the forefoot and changes the alignment of the body. Most often, we try to compensate for this by increasing the lordosis in the area of the lumbar spine.
In addition to the shoes, socks can also restrict the foot! Buy socks ideally 1-2 sizes larger and preferable without elastane.
THE FOOT CONNECTION TO THE BODY
Foot defects are mostly not congenital. A healthy foot develops itself naturally in a way that is able to feel, perceive, be flexible and stable. But it must be given the opportunity to do so. The fact that "what we don't use, we loose" is particularly evident in the human body. Inappropriate footwear can cause us to loose these abilities or even harm the body.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DOES FOOT ACTIVITY AFFECT ?
- muscle chains of the entire body
- pelvic floor, diaphragm and development of full breath
- helps pump blood back to the heart (relieves the veins and heart)
- reduces work demands for hips and knees
HOW TO DO IT ? HOW TO MANAGE WALKING IN BARE SHOES ?
An upright posture is the least energetically demanding for the body and allows a smooth transfer of weight through the foot. The impact of the foot should be silent.
At the beginning go to softer terrain - on unpaved roads, in the park or in the forest. Trained foot can then go on hard surfaces.
BAREFOOT SHOES AS PART OF A LIFE PHILOSOPHY ?
It is not necessary to change your habits immediately. It is not even healthy to start strictly walking barefoot or only in barefoot shoes. However, openness and curiosity are important for a person. Barefoot shoes can help us discover the forgotten feeling of natural walking and perhaps open the way to a new life philosophy. To the philosophy of connecting the body, movement, merging with the surrounding environment and respect for nature.