Why feet? Well, much of our posture starts there. And because the human foot is actually pretty amazing.
Check out the development of a foot from infant to adult:
Notice how the foot morphs over time and settles at 26! bones. The feet are the gimbals of the body (a tool that stabilizes a camera from all directions while filming).
One of the people I look up to in the health world, Dr. Kelly Starrett, refers to shoes as “foot caskets.” Lack of movement is a recipe for disfunction and potentially pain.
Bodies are exceptionally adaptable over time.
Even orca bodies.
Check out how these fins developed differently in captivity, swimming more at the surface where gravity is stronger:
Human feet did not evolve wrapped up in shoes, walking on perfectly smooth, excessively hard surfaces.
They evolved experiencing uneven terrain.
And what is the result?
If your foot is smooshed up and can’t move well, the structures above like ankles, knees, hips and shoulders notice.
There is a phenomenon called tensegrity that describes how stability is created in a three dimensional structure through distributed tension. Here’s a human model to give you an idea of how your bones, muscles and connective tissues hold you together:
If lively, vibrant feet sound good to you, aim for nicely spread, “hunter-gatherer” type feet.
Almost every foot I’ve ever met could benefit with some tools to counter-act modern living.
Here are my favorite tools and I’m not sponsored by any of my recommendations.
These toe spreaders work while you’re standing and bearing body weight into your feet. An hour a day can undo long years of shoe wearing and/or maintain good foot health.
This is a brand of “zero drop” athletic shoes, meaning there is no raised heel like conventional shoes. There is also a wide toe box for your beautiful Frodo-feet.
Unstable surface
I use a wobble board when doing standing work at a computer and I walk on a battle rope barefoot throughout the day. This helps loosen the muscles and connective tissue of the feet.
I also like the look of the Stoic Mat by Wild Gym. I don’t have one, but do have some of their other products and like them a lot.
These well-made socks also help train the brain to spread the muscles of the feet. And if you happen to want to wear your Correct Toes inside of shoes, you need socks like these.
The doctor who invented the ToePro noticed that toe strength in particular often overlooked and somewhat difficult to train.
This tool is designed to strengthen the muscles of the foot, ankle and knee at 4 times the standard rehab exercise. The squishy foam texture allows the ball of your foot to sink in and grip with your toes to work muscles you didn’t realize you have. I’ve found I really appreciate the difference in working with it and my Pilates clients appreciate when I bring it to sessions.
Always curious to hear if you learn something new or give any of these tools a try.
Interesting read! I like the Injinji socks. I've been trying CorrectToes on and off... I find them a little hard to get used to, but it's obvious they're helping my feet. The Topo athletic shoes look awesome... I'll have to try them, thank you for the tip. I've used Vibram FiveFinger shoes, which I love, but I wish they had a little bit more padding in the soles. I also use OOFOs daily around the house, which has helped resolve my knee pain. 👟👌🏼