Shoes That Don’t Ruin Your Feet And Still Look Cool

There is a growing number of shoe companies that offer footwear that promotes the natural shape of your foot, toe splay and foot function. Below is the list of brands I have tried and recommend.

“The more active the foot, the more robust it becomes.”

— Healthy Feet Alliance

Why Barefoot and Minimal Shoes?

The foot (equipped with 26 bones, 30 joints, 3 arches, over 100 muscles and tendons, and hundreds of thousands of nerve endings) is solely qualified to statically support and dynamically move the body.  

Being barefoot bolsters nerve health and assists in coordinated movements of the body.

Shoes’ primary purpose is simply to protect the foot from the elements and sharp objects, while allowing the foot to move naturally and freely, as if barefoot.

For longterm foot health, choose shoes that include these elements:

  • a natural, foot-shaped toe box

  • a flexible sole

  • a zero drop heel (meaning no elevated heels!)

  • no arch support

  • no toe spring

  • securely fastened to the foot

These qualities in a shoe give the foot the freedom needed to reach its full capacity.  Just like casting an arm leads to atrophy of the arm muscles, casting the foot in a rigid, supportive shoe leads to atrophy of the foot muscles.  

Wearing natural footwear (also commonly known as barefoot shoes, minimalist shoes, and functional footwear) can help one avoid many common foot ailments, such as bunions, plantar fasciosis, hammertoes, Morton’s neuroma, and many others.

If you are considering switching into natural footwear from conventional footwear, it is critical to properly transition.  Just as it is essential to break slowly into new workouts to avoid injury, it is imperative to ease into natural footwear to avoid injury. 

Each individual’s foot health journey will look different from one another’s.  

Medical interventions should primarily focus on strengthening the feet and restoring the natural structural alignment of the foot.

Orthotics and other external supports should generally only be used in short-term treatment plans. Surgery should only be considered in the rare cases that are not remedied by the less-invasive means previously mentioned.

What to consider when ordering Barefoot Shoes

 

  • It can be really tempting to throw out all your conventional shoes and switch everything to minimal and barefoot. BEWARE as this can lead to undue stress in your tissues. You need to take your time wearing these new, flexible spacious shoes for short periods of time which you gradually build up over several months. This gives your feet and tissues time to adapt to this new input and demand.

  • Most companies have detailed sizing charts and guidelines that you can print off and use to measure your feet. This is recommended as each make is different and sizing varies depending on country of manufacture.

  • Most companies offer tracked shipping with Royal Mail or courier. Check the returns policy before you purchase.

  • Each company is different, however you will be charged Customs and Duty Tax for orders over £135. Check guidelines for purchase and returns policy.

  • Customs and tax charges will apply to orders over £135. Check before you purchase.

 
 

Spread Your Toes

Toe spreading devices such as CORRECT TOES ORIGINAL and Toe Separator Socks support gradual toe spacing, aligning and spreading.

Wear the socks around the house and in bed while you sleep. Correct Toes can be worn in shoes while you are active.

 

Foot-friendly shoe brands.

Below are the brands that I wear, have tested and recommend.

Always check the company’s sizing chart, fitting guidance and shipping and returns policy.

For further reading and detailed reviews of all minimal and barefoot shoe brands, the leading expert is Anya from Anya's Reviews. She has spent many years trying and testing all brands and gives honest and very helpful tips on pros and cons of each brand.

Below are UK supplier links for the brands I have tried and recommend.

  • GROUNDIES® DE

    These are my favourites. Make sure you select the barefoot sizing options. They have a great selection of smart casual shoes and boots. Black options for school shoes. These are a great all rounder for many occasions.

    Check out GROUNDIES® Shoes

  • ALTRA FOOTWEAR UK

    I love my Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes. The tread is excellent and the width perfect for my toes. There is a bit more cushion than some minimal shoes, so they work well as a transition shoe. Highly recommended.

    Check out Altra Shoes

  • VIVOBAREFOOT UK

    A great company with vision. These shoes are excellent and they offer school shoes for kids and juniors. Nice styles for different uses, smart casual, running, hiking, summer.

    Check out Vivobarefoot

  • XEROSHOES UK

    Xero have great waterproof and lightweight hiking boots plus sandals and shoes.

    Check out XEROSHOES

  • LEMS UK

    Check out LEMS Shoes

  • LUNA SANDALS UK

    Very popular choice for everyday use. These are highly recommended. Option to choose different thickness of sole. Secure strap. Great for hiking and longer trails.

    Check out Luna Sandals