Minimalist shoes have been gaining in popularity over recent years. Not sure of what that means? Wikipedia defines a minimalist shoe as one that is designed to closely approximate barefoot running or walking conditions in comparison to traditional shoes. Traditional shoes have a raised heel, thick sole and extra padding, all preventing the foot from natural movement. The extra protection of these rigid shoes has led people to refer to them as “foot coffins”. Wearing these shoes can cause feet to become weak and place the body out of alignment, leading to injuries from the feet up.
Are minimalist shoes better? Let’s have a look at what features make up this type of shoe and why they may be better for you.
1. Reduced or No Cushioning
A minimalist shoe has little to no cushioning leaving you to rely on your body’s natural shock absorbing ability. This can reduce stress on all of your joints.
2. Thin Soles
A thin sole is designed to give you increased sensory feedback from the ground. This can improve stability and balance.
3. Light Weight
A minimalist shoe is much lighter that a traditional running shoe. It is designed to give you that “barely there” shoe experience. The lighter weight can lead to increased performance as there is less weight to carry.
4. Highly Flexible
The soles of minimalist shoes are highly flexible. They can be twisted and rolled into a ball. This allows for complete natural foot movement where all muscles will be utilized without restriction.
5. Heel to Toe Drop
A zero heel to toe drop means that the toes and heel are on the same level. This puts the foot in a natural position which can lead to better alignment throughout the body. In a traditional shoe, the wearer strikes with the heel first because of the raised sole. This leads to jarring throughout the body and can lead to foot, ankle, knee, back and hip injuries. A minimalist shoe encourages the wearer to land with the forefoot which helps to absorb the shock. It can lead to a more efficient stride and fewer injuries.
6. No Arch Support
With no arch support, your feet must rely on their own strength to carry you. As you slowly transition into minimalist shoes, your feet should become stronger.
7. Wide Toe Box
A wide toe box allows your foot to spread out as it does when not wearing a shoe. This is not only super comfortable but increases stability and surface for landing with a forefoot strike. You can wiggle your toes with no restriction!
German made Leguano Shoes has a superior minimalist shoe, also known as a barefoot shoe. They are designed to put as little as possible between your foot and the ground. They give you a truly natural barefoot experience. Their patented flexible Lifolit sole and expandable knit upper gives your foot complete freedom. The durable sole protects the foot from sharp objects but gives you maximum feel of the ground. They are not only the ideal barefoot running shoe but can be worn every day for all of your activities. Check out the wide variety of styles and colours.
If you have any questions regarding which style might be best suited for you, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out!
https://leguanoshoes.com/contact-us/
