Hello.
I was wandering what do you think about the new lines of barefoot shouse. like Vivobarefoot, or merrell Barefoot.
Wouldnt it be easeier to mantain the feet in a kidney beam shape inside the shoes, if the shoe is soft and flexsable? in walking it is very importent to mantain the flexability of the foot, isn't it?
most of the regular shoes, even those sport soes. which has a kidney bean shape, have some elevation at the heel.
Isn't it problematic?
Thank's
Yael
3 years 2 months ago
12/15/2010 - 7:51am
While we encourage barefoot walking and strengthening the muscles of the feet to lift your arches, barefoot shoes are not for everyone. If there is a history of foot pain, pronation, bunions, etc, then a soft "barefoot" shoe is not usually helpful (more arch support is needed). In time, with enough practice, even people with a history of foot pain can often move towards a more barefoot styled shoe. It can take time though.
A very healthy foot that can maintain the kidney shape while standing and walking usually does very well with a soft and flexible shoe. No longer will one have to rely on the support of the shoe, rather, the actual foot muscles can do the work.
A slight lift in the heel isn't always a bad thing. We teach pelvic anteversion. For people who have a strong pelvic tuck (retroversion) or who have tighter hamstrings, letting the heel up a bit can help the pelvis tip forward.
I hope this is helpful to you!
Warmly,
Charlene Hannibal
Gokhale Method Teacher, Palo Alto/San Francisco