Have You Been Exercising Wrong? Is your Movement Biomechanically-Sound?
Below: Why you should ditch your shoes and switch to barefoot performance sandals instead
There’s a growing movement advocating for a return to simplicity: barefoot footwear. Embracing the freedom of walking in sandals or minimalist shoes isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice that comes with a myriad of benefits. But wearing shoes of any kind is an inhibition to your body's natural systems.
Imagine doing bicep curls with your bicep in a compression device - now extrapolate what shoes are doing to your feet
You likely didn't know that the body has a sixth sense known as Somatosensation. This is the super sense as it is the amalgam of the following: Thermoception (temperature), Nociception (pain), Equilibrioception (balance), Mechanoreception (vibration, discriminatory touch and pressure), and Proprioception (positioning and movement). Since our feet are the foremost method of association with the physical world, maintaining open channels of Somatosensation is of paramount importance. Imagine lifting blindfolded or listening to your favorite song with ear plugs - this is equivalent to wearing enclosed shoes particularly for athletic endeavors.
Since our feet are the foremost method of association with the physical world, maintaining open channels of Somatosensation is of paramount importance.
2. From the Ground Up: Natural Movement and Better Posture
Barefoot Sandals do not add any inhibitions to your body. Enclosed shoes (with socks particularly) compress and restrict the natural movement of our feet, leading to weakened muscles and tendons over time. In contrast, minimalist sandals allow your feet to move freely, promoting better posture and alignment. This can reduce the risk of common foot problems like bunions and plantar fasciitis, as well as improving overall balance and agility. Imagine doing bicep curls with your bicep in a compression device - now imagine what shoes are doing to your feet when dead lifting, squatting, etc.
There is an athlete within each of us, optimum balance and agility adaptation are not learned by putting our feet in straight jackets.
3. Enhanced Sensory Inputs Yield Better Performance
Our feet are the most mechanically complex parts of our body - packed with the nerve endings and receptors that provide crucial sensory feedback to the brain. Wearing thick-soled shoes dampens this sensory experience, disconnecting us from our environment. Barefoot performance sandals, on the other hand, allows you to feel the ground beneath your feet—literally. This heightened sensory input not only feels liberating but also improves proprioception, the body's ability to sense its position in space. There is an athlete within each of us, optimum balance and agility adaptation are not learned by putting our feet in straight jackets.
Imagine doing a hand-stand in compression mittens - that is what enclosed shoes are doing to your feet.
4. Be Bio-Mechanically Sound and Strong
Modern shoes with arch support and cushioning can cause our foot muscles to become lazy and weak. Barefoot performance sandals encourages these muscles to work as they were intended, leading to stronger feet and lower legs. This increased strength can translate into improved athletic performance and reduced risk of injury during physical activities. Imagine doing a hand-stand in compression mittens - that is what enclosed shoes are doing to your feet.
Furthermore, the feet and head are the primary inputs for temperature regulation - inhibiting your body's temperature regulation initiates a chain-reaction of consequences.
5. Superior Overall Wellness
The design of traditional shoes often creates a warm, damp environment that can harbor bacteria and fungi, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. Barefoot footwear promotes air circulation around the feet, keeping them cooler and drier. Additionally, the freedom from restrictive footwear can alleviate pressure points and reduce the likelihood of developing corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Furthermore, the feet and head are the primary inputs for temperature regulation - inhibiting your body's temperature regulation initiates a chain-reaction of consequences.
Making the Switch
Transitioning to barefoot performance sandals is a process, one our bodies must adapt to over time - especially if you’ve spent years in traditional shoes. Start gradually, allowing your feet time to adapt to the new sensations and movements. Toetem Sandals offers impeccable sandals for all athletic endeavors that offer all of the benefits described above. There are customizable options for Lifting, General Fitness, Trail Running, Urban Running, Hiking, Climbing Approaches, and Everyday Use. All components are handmade in-house from US-sourced materials, and come with a 1-Year Warranty.
If you think you are ready to make the improvement, check out Toetem Sandals footwear offering. You can save $10 on your first order using a special code by signing up for our emails (average one email a month).
Ultimately, embracing barefoot performance sandals is a step towards reconnecting with your body and the natural world around you. Whether you’re drawn to the health benefits, the sensory experience, or getting in-tune with your body's innate abilities, ditching your shoes in favor of sandals is a transformative decision. Your feet—and your whole body—will thank you for it.
Disclaimer: no medical claims are made in this content. This content and any claims made are simply sharing a personal experience. For any and all questions or concerns regarding your health, consult your physician. Transitioning to barefoot style footwear can lead to injury, take this into consideration and again, consult your physician with any concerns before undertaking this change.