If you’re interested in foot health, you’ve probably been seeing those toe spacers all over the place. Are they really necessary? I’m all about foot function, but even I was on the fence for a while. So let’s break it down and talk about why they’re a thing. Read on for my full Correct Toes review.

Correct Toes can now be purchased in Anya’s Shop!

Why Toe Spacers?

Toe spacers are meant to realign your feet to their natural position. Most of us modern-day humans have been squishing our feet into tiny shoes our entire lives, and now they look more like shoes than feet. Spacers are a way of passively coaxing your feet back into their natural position with a full toe splay. Since toe splay is a powerful indicator for general foot health and lower extremity function, we want it!

It took years for your feet to look the way they do today, so it takes time for them to get back to what’s natural. This is what makes toe spacers so handy. You put them on and the work is being done while you go about your life: they’re a foot exercise you can do while sleeping! The effect of toe spacers will be most powerful when combined with barefoot shoes and other foot exercises, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with spacers alone.

A Word of Caution!

There is one caveat. Just like shoes, toe spacers can deform your feet if they are not anatomical. We’re interested in improving foot function, not having the widest toes possible. So I advise against putting on the cheapest pair of spacers you can find until you’ve done your research. No spacers are better than bad spacers, which is why I am recommending Correct Toes in this review. What makes Correct Toes great? Keep reading.

Correct Toes Review: The Benefits

Correct Toes were invented by podiatrist and runner Ray McClanahan as an alternative to standard “foot care.” He learned through research that toe splay is vitally important to foot function and set about finding a solution to the root cause of foot pain.

Correct Toes are made of medical grade silicone and come in 4 sizes. They are flexible, a little stretchy, they hold their shape through wear, wash off easily, and are ANATOMICAL. We’ll get to why this is so important in a minute, but first let’s talk about how Correct Toes benefit your feet.

Foot Alignment

Getting your feet aligned helps with a whole host of issues. Bunions, Hammer Toe, Morton’s Neuroma, and even my own Hallux Limitus and flat feet, are all conditions that can be improved from proper toe splay and strong intrinsic foot muscles. Just getting your tissues properly aligned can help a lot with foot pain, and in some cases resolve the problem altogether. We know that our feet are malleable because they have taken the shape of our shoes. So it stands to reason that we can shape them back.

For a long time it was believed that bunions were genetic and there was nothing to do about them except surgery, but it’s time to say buh-bye to that thinking. While there is a genetic component to just about everything, including bunions, research has shown for a while now that foot deformities can be corrected and prevented!

Improved Foot Function

Besides the benefit of foot alignment, when your toes are splayed you are able to activate your arch more easily (aka natural arch support). This is where benefits come in even if you don’t have bunions or other deformities.

It’s very likely you’re not using your feet much when you walk or exercise. Decades of restricting your feet make it hard to access those muscles and nerves, and most of us hobble around on dormant feet. Wearing Correct Toes while moving helps you engage that foot, which provides stability all the way up through the ankle and even to the hips and glutes.

Better movement is an immediate benefit you get from wearing CT, but it also helps you re-learn those patterns so you can continue to move well after you’ve taken them off.

Looks deviate from function here. A foot that looks “good” (aka toes are straight out) might not be helping you at all while you move, whereas a foot that looks ruined by shoes could be a total bad-ass at supporting your body. Active feet trump pretty feet.

I personally have a very good toe splay when I want it, but I still need to consciously think about engaging my feet when I move. With Correct Toes on I am primed for foot stability, and the more I wear them the more natural it becomes to use my feet. Engaged feet are foundational for all functional movement, which is one reason why Correct Toes are considered a performance enhancer

Blood Flow

One of the secondary benefits of toe spacers is that they bring blood to your feet. Foot injuries turn chronic for a lot of people and one factor is a lack of sufficient blood flow. More blood = faster healing. Feet that are not used very often and/or squished into restrictive shoes are just not going to be getting much circulation, which is detrimental to health. When you put on a pair of toe spacers blood flows to the area, and blood is queen.

Common Questions About Correct Toes

Will They Fix my Feet?

Good toe spacers like Correct Toes can actually change the way your feet are physically structured. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get picture-perfect baby toes after using them. Foot health is all about function over form, and you can expect to see improved function and fewer symptoms with strong aligned feet. Will your bunion completely disappear? I can’t say. Some people will use them for a while and find they don’t need them as often once the acute problem has resolved. Other people, like my own mother, will wear spacers forever to keep the toes from turning inward. Every experience will be highly individualized.

How Long Does it Take?

The thing about Correct Toes is that you get benefits immediately. The stretching of the feet, blood flow, etc all work to make your feet feel better right then and there. But if you are dealing with a bony deformity, you might need to be spacing your toes out for a long time, or for life. Same goes for a soft tissue problem like plantar fasciitis. There’s no way to really know what your journey to functional feet will look like. Combining your spacers with healthy footwear and lots of strengthening exercises is a great idea if you are looking for big change.

What If I Already Have Spread Out Toes?

I didn’t think of getting toe spacers myself for a long time because I can move all my toes individually and splay them wide. But that is only when I’m actively engaging my feet. Passively my toes still like to hug each other, so when I put on a pair of Correct Toes I still get extra width. That gives me increased stability while moving and the extra blood flow never hurt nobody.

Do I NEED Correct Toes? Maybe not. But I’m getting benefit out of them and since my foot health is very important to me I am going to continue using them. I consider it to be a natural pairing with all the other things I do to take care of my body.

Should I Wear Them While Active?

Having space between your toes is one thing. Having strong feet that are fully engaged is another, and wearing Correct Toes while being active is powerful. I really enjoy wearing mine while I do exercises and walk around the house, but I do all those things barefoot (and no, they don’t slide off my feet. If they do for you, wear them with socks). I don’t, however, love wearing my Correct Toes inside shoes, even shoes that are wide enough to accommodate them. The spacers are designed to give your toes room to wiggle and move, but it’s an odd sensation that I haven’t gotten used to yet.

If you plan to wear your spacers inside shoes, make sure they are wide enough to comfortably accommodate them. You can find lots of great recommendations for shoes with a wide toe box over in my Shoe Lists category!

How Long/Often do I Wear Them?

It can take a while to get used to toe spacers. As with most things, hurting yourself is not a good idea. So start with short periods of time and work your way up as you are comfortable.

There has been no irritation for me from the silicon, but it can be a pretty strong stretch. I have wide toes, and the first few days I wanted to take them off after 30 minutes or so. After a week I could wear them long stretches and didn’t notice them at all. For my husband the process was slower: the first week he was only wearing them for about 5 minutes at a time before ripping them off, and has been working up from there. My one “rule” is to not overdo it, like you would approach any stretch for the body. Sensations are good, pain is bad.

How Do I Make Modifications, Fit Issues, Etc?

One of the best things about Correct Toes is that it comes with an extensive guide to customizing your toe spacers to your feet. I did not modify mine, but there are MANY things you can do to get a custom fit. Be sure to check this out if you are having trouble with your spacers for any reason. You can find all the info you need here.

Why Do They Cost $65?

And here is the big question. Why do they cost so much?? You better believe I asked the same thing when I first looked into Correct Toes. Now that I have a pair and have researched the brand I can answer it. Correct Toes offers an incredible amount of resources and support so that you can actually make progress on your path toward foot health. Besides a wealth of information in the package that arrives at your door, you also have access to customer support and tons of guides on their website. Everyone who works for the company understands principles of foot health and will answer your questions. The product itself was thoroughly researched and expensive molds were purchased because foot health is the goal, not a huge profit margin. They are in fact better quality than cheaper alternatives, but you’re also getting a lot more than toe spacers when you purchase.

Correct Toes Vs Amazon Spacers

The truth is I’m pretty cheap. A 3-pack of toe spacers for $10 from Amazon is an almost irresistible pull, so I had to try some to compare. Spoiler alert: they’re not great. But I’ll let you see for yourself.

One Size

Correct Toes come in 4 sizes. Cheapo toe spacers? They are one size fits all. I wear shoe size 36 (Women’s US 6) and a small in Correct Toes. My husband wears shoe size 47 (Men’s US 13) and a size large in Correct Toes. But with the Amazon spacers, we both tried on the same size.

On me the Amazon spacers were definitely too bulky for my feet and pushed my toes out too far, but were somehow still tight and restrictive. On my husband, the spacing of his toes looked about right with the Amazon spacers, but they were REALLY tight around each toe.

Too Thick

You can see in the above videos that the Amazon spacers are really thick in between each toe. This pushes my toes at extreme angles and does not allow them to move freely. Correct Toes are genius because they insert space between your toes, but your toes can still move up, down, and side to side! This is exactly what you want your feet to be doing, and it also allows them to rest in a natural position. Amazon and other cheap spacers don’t give your toes a choice, because they are abritrarily spaced. You may get a good stretch in them, but wearing them for long periods of time or while active could change your feet in ways you don’t want.

This is how I feel about lacing your fingers in between your toes (see the end of this post for an example of this exercise). It is an extreme stretch that gives you lots of blood flow and loosens the tissues. It works great as a 30 second- 1 minute exercise. Would I want to walk around with fingers in between my toes all the time? Hell no. These one-size-fits all spacers are the same way. Fine for a little while, but not long periods.

Just Plain Cheap

The Amazon toe spacers are obviously lower quality and cheap. They’re harder to keep clean, and my mom (who has been using cheap silicone spacers for years) reports that they shrink over time. You get what you pay for. The End.

Conclusion

So are Correct Toes worth it? If you have a chronic foot issue, then I say yes. Feet are important, and if they are hurting you I wouldn’t mess around with cheap options. If you already have thriving feet but really want to improve your performance, then again yes. Go with what’s best rather than risk hurting yourself. If you are on the fence and not sure about dropping $65 on foot care, I understand. If you decide to go with a cheap option make sure you are tuned in to your feet and use them only for a short duration while resting. There’s a good chance you’ll circle back around to Correct Toes in the future!

Are you trying to improve your foot health? Foot exercise are the best way to get started and completely free! Check out my 5 Favorite Foot Exercises here. And if you’re serious about your foot health, you should also be considering the shoes you want. Check out this post on why barefoot shoes are best for your feet for more info.

The post Correct Toes Review – Are They Worth It? appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

Barefoot shoes have a reputation for being “weird.” I remember the first time I saw a pair of Vibram 5-Fingers. They were so bizarre looking that I couldn’t hear the benefits of them. Even when my best friend told me she ran in minimalist sandals my eyes glazed over, it was in one ear and out the other. The whole idea of flimsy, unsupportive shoes as GOOD for your feet flew in the face of everything I had been taught. It was just too different.

But the way we’ve been dealing with foot pain isn’t working. Stiff supportive shoes and corrective surgeries are not giving people the relief they need. So maybe different is exactly what we need.

In this post we’re going to break down the idea of barefoot shoes to show that 1. they’re actually not weird, 2. they’re a viable solution to common foot ailments, and 3. there are things you can do today to have healthier feet.

Why Don’t I Wear Normal Shoes?

You see, I’ve run the whole gamut of supportive shoes and orthotics. A nasty case of tendinitis at the age of 9 landed me in my first pair of orthotics and after that it was supportive shoes year round. I noticed I had discomfort if I ever strayed too far, so I didn’t question it.

When I saw my podiatrist as an adult after months of intense foot pain, she reaffirmed this to me and put me in even stiffer, MORE supportive shoes. In some ways I’m grateful to her and my injury, because when this advice turned out to be TERRIBLE for me I was finally ready to accept new knowledge into my life.

*Want to hear more about this saga? Read my full barefoot journey here.*

Fortunately, my sweet friend reminded me about minimalist shoes and sent me a copy of Whole Body Barefoot by Katy Bowman. The rest is history. Today I wear absolutely nothing but minimalist or no shoes and my entire body is stronger, more stable, and functioning better than it ever has in my life.

In fact this experience was so life-changing that I now spend my time breaking down barriers to healthy footwear. This website is all about showing you how awesome minimalist footwear can be and making it easy for you to find what you love. One choice (your shoes) can impact your life in countless ways.

So what do you think? Are you ready to think about feet and shoes in a new way?

What Is A Barefoot Shoe?

“Barefoot” shoes are so-called because they let your feet move as if barefoot. Most shoes inhibit our foot function, to our detriment. So in order to keep our feet strong and mobile our shoes must have the following characteristics:

Completely Flat

A completely flat shoe keeps the center of gravity over the heels, where we are most stable. Heeled shoes (even small heels like the ones found on tennis shoes or the flats shown above) push us forward and force compensations throughout the spine to stay balanced. This causes some parts to be over worked and others to be under worked, aka IMBALANCE. Being in shoes that are zero drop is critical for whole body alignment.

Foot-Shaped

We entered this world with beautiful fan-shaped feet and toes. Choosing shoes that follow the natural curves of the foot allow them to keep looking this way! But more importantly, it allows them to continue to function. Our feet take the shape of the shoes they are in. So if you spend most of your time in squished pointy shoes your feet are going to start looking the same way, which can eventually lead to bunions and other toe deformities.

Flexible

Feet are flexible; shoes should be too. Stiff shoes effectively bind the intricate muscles of the foot, muscles that will waste away if not used. Shoes that move with the foot allow those muscles to stay strong and supple, paving the way for a lifetime of stability. When the range of motion in your feet doesn’t get used regularly, the result is limited mobility followed by pain.

No Arch Support

Flat feet can cause a lot of problems in your body, but sticking a support under there completely takes away the opportunity for your muscles to work. It also locks the foot into a single position, when it actually should be flattening out a little bit with each step. Weaning off arch support can take time, but in the end it’s much better for your long-term foot health.

Secure to the Foot

In order for your feet to do their job they can’t be worrying about a shoe falling off. Flip flops and ill-fitting shoes cause you to grip your toes and slam your heel to prevent them from going flying. Feet simply can’t move effectively in a shoe that’s sliding around, which has ripple effects throughout your body.

Thin

The ability to balance is a hugely important skill for a human, and our feet are a key part of it. Thin soles allow you to maintain a connection with the ground, making it easier for you to move confidently and strongly. Thick soles prevent your nerves from sensing where you are in space, which leads to sloppy movement.

Why Should You Try Barefoot Shoes?

Many people will benefit from wearing barefoot or minimalist shoes*. And this is why.

1. It’s Natural

Feet have carried humans through life without additional support for thousands of years. The need for constant foot support in the form of orthotics and stiff shoes is a modern plague, and one that largely affects the developed world. But we know (‘cuz science) that feet aren’t fundamentally flawed. Rather our modern lifestyles are. Excessive sitting combined with restrictive shoes from an early age put a real damper on our ability to move freely. So if you think of “foot pain” as a symptom of a larger problem, then an orthotic starts to sound more like a Tylenol than an actual solution. Yes it’s easy and quick, but it does nothing to fix the reason for your pain. Free feet are natural feet, so let’s figure out a way to REGAIN that function, rather than mask our problems.

2. Feet Are The Foundation

Foot function has a HUGE impact on our bodies. There is a kinetic chain running from our big toes, through our arch, up our legs and into the hips and spine that affects everything we do as humans. If your feet can’t move well enough to engage the rest of the chain, you get a whole host of issues you probably didn’t realize were connected to your feet. Like knee pain, back pain, etc. Sometimes you get the reverse too: An issue with your pelvis could be the reason for your throbbing big toe. If you are here because you have foot pain, you’ve probably become acutely aware of how much it can impact your life. Feet are a seriously underestimated part of our bodies, and turning our attention to them will come back in dividends throughout our lives.

3. They’re Cool

Ok, some barefoot shoes look weird. But thanks to a change in the tides, there are so many that look great! I have watched the market increase rapidly over the last few years, and today there is a shoe for everyone and every occasion. We’re talking weddings, work, date night, even the military, for men, women, kids, and tweens. You DON’T have to stick out like a sore thumb to have happy feet. In fact, I am adamant about NOT looking weird in my shoes. If you stick around you’ll see that you don’t have to compromise on your style to wear healthy shoes.

4. Small Change, Big Results

The simple act of choosing better footwear is one choice, but it impacts your body over and over. For me, barefoot shoes are a one way street: once I experienced the freedom there was no going back. Being out of pain has made me a happier, better person and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. But especially now that there are so many barefoot shoe options to choose from, there is no need to accept foot pain as just a fact of life. You don’t even have to be an obsessive foot nerd (like I am) to enjoy better quality of life from your stronger feet. The small change of better shoes is a gift to yourself that keeps on giving.

But What About Foot Support?

Because I grew up with foot issues I have heard this refrain over and over. What about the support? Don’t our feet NEED to be supported? We’ve all heard it. And the truth is, some feet do need to be supported, at least for a time*. But currently we are binding and restricting perfectly healthy feet without even considering why they are hurting in the first place.

Unnecessary support leads to weakened tissues, because who needs muscles when you can just rely on your shoe! Carefully and mindfully learning to use your feet the way they were born to often eliminates the need for support. Take myself for example. Reliant on orthotics for 2 decades, I now go completely without support 100% of the time. It took me a couple years to build up the strength to get there, but flat feet are in my past. So it’s time to put away the notion that all feet need to be supported. There are things we all can do to have stronger, healthier feet, and it doesn’t take odd-looking shoes to get there. You can dig deeper into why arch support isn’t a long term solution here.

Now you know all the hype about barefoot shoes, watcha gonna do about it??

How Do I Get Started?

For detailed information on who should wear barefoot shoes, how to transition your body, and how to find your perfect pair refer to The Ultimate Barefoot Shoes FAQ.

Check out my Find Your Footing Workshop for everything you need to make the transition to barefoot shoes easier and more successful

Here are some more great resources to start with!

1. Wake Up Your Feet

Before grabbing yourself a pair barefoot shoes, here are some simple exercises to help regain foot function. Changing your footwear changes a lot of things about your body, so it’s a really good idea to pair it with restorative exercises.

5 Foot Exercises for Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes

2. Pick Out Your First Pair of Shoes

My general philosophy is to err on the side of caution and transition slowly. Beginning with exercises and being barefoot as much as possible is an excellent way to start, but if you want to take it to the next level you’ll need new shoes. Here are some recommendations to get you started. If you’re looking for shoes in a specific category, like work, be sure to check out my other shoe lists and subscribe to see all my new reviews. And if you want a taste but are nervous to invest, read my Affordable Barefoot Shoes post for options as cheap as a few dollars.

Barefoot Shoe Brands for Beginners

All Time Best Barefoot Shoe Brands

Best Affordable Barefoot Shoes

3. Dig Deeper

Meaningful change takes time, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach here. If you’re committed to feeling better in your body then consider this the first step of a lifelong journey. It’s worth it. Go slow. Be patient. And love your feet!

Want more? Here are some additional resources to sink your teeth into, then follow me on Instagram and subscribe below to stay in the loop!

Barefoot Shoes FAQ

Discount Codes

The Barefoot Shoe Finder

Glossary of Terms

Here are some terms you’re likely to hear in the world of barefoot shoes!

*This is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have persistent pain, chronic health issues, or a diagnosed musculoskeletal disorder please consult a professional. This information can still have an impact on how you approach footwear, but you may need to modify your approach to make it safe and effective for you.

The post Are Barefoot Shoes The Solution To Your Foot Pain? appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

If you are new to minimalist footwear, it can take some getting used to. Especially if you’ve been wearing supportive shoes your whole life, you may find that barefoot shoes are an extreme change. Who knew the ground was so hard??

In this article you will find 13 transitional barefoot shoe brands I recommend as a good starting point for beginners! These are shoes with a wide toe box and flat sole, but a little bit more cushion than you typically find in barefoot shoes. Plus my fave insoles hack that I used as a new barefoot shoe wearer myself!

Let’s dig into your options!

But before we get to shoe brands, here’s a refresher on what makes a minimalist shoe:

What Is A Barefoot or Minimalist Shoe?

To be considered a true barefoot shoe, it must have all of the following characteristics:

1. Wide Toe Box – Toe freedom supports the movement of your entire body.
2. Flat – No arch support or heel rise (zero drop) for stable, functional movement.
3. Flexible – So your feet can bend like they would if barefoot.

*Note: Zero drop means no heel rise, i.e. the shoe is just as thick under your heel as it is under the ball of your foot.*

As you become more comfortable with barefoot shoes you might find yourself reaching for thinner soles (we are trying to mimic being barefoot after all). But a lot of people like to have more cushion when they first start out – and some people always use a little more cushion!

I myself went through a full year of foot and body strengthening before I was comfortable in barefoot shoes, and I needed extra cushion for a while after that. It’s easy to underestimate the impact shoes have on our body, but once you start seeing the benefits of barefoot, there’s no going back. Switching to minimalist shoes is a big change, but it’s 100% worth it.

Want more tips on making a safe and comfortable transition to barefoot shoes? Check out my additional resources below.

Transitional Barefoot Shoe Brands for Beginners

The following is a list of my 13 favorite brands for transitioning to barefoot shoes. They are all foot-shaped, flat, and flexible, but with some extra cushion.

And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can find even more options in my Barefoot Shoe Finder, where you can search by region, price range, sole thickness, and width.

Now let’s get to my favorite zero drop shoes for beginners.

Lems Shoes

You can find the Lems Primal Zen sneaker at Anya’s Shop

If you’re looking to become a barefoot enthusiast but have been dependent on cushioned shoes, Lems is a great first step into the minimalist world. You’ll get the immediate benefit of a wider toe box and zero drop heel, but you have plenty of cushion as you learn to change your foot strike pattern. You also have the ability to add an orthotic such as this one if you need some extra support.

The best part about Lems is that they carry a wide variety of unisex shoes for exercise, hiking, and work and they’re stylish too. European residents can purchase Lems at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.

I’ve linked directly to the ones I recommend, because not all Lems Shoes are zero drop or foot shaped. The options one the Widest sole fit wide to extra wide feet. The options on their Wide sole fit average to wide feet.

Read all my Lems Reviews here!

Altra Running Shoes

Another great brand for foraying into minimalist athletic shoes is Altra. Like Lems, they have multiple widths so I recommend sticking with their wider zero drop options and their thinner soles (still much thicker than any barefoot shoe).

My favorites are the Lone Peak, Escalante, and Superior. For the widest toe box choose Lone Peak Wide (a couple colorways come in Wide).

This is the very first minimalist shoe brand I owned and I immediately noticed how much more comfortable they were on my toes than any other sneaker I had tried. The nice thing about Altra is that it is widely available. You may even be able to try them on in a local running shoe store. But please note that some of their models have extremely thick soles and a low drop (4mm heel) that I do not typically recommend.

Joe Nimble

Joe Nimble is a German functional footwear brand that has an anatomical foot shape, but a thicker sole than you find on most barefoot shoes. They are well made, stylish, and especially good at bridging the gap if you want to continue doing the activities you love but aren’t ready for ultra minimalist shoes yet.

Note that not all models are zero drop and different thickness options, so be sure to read the product descriptions.

Barebarics

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for a 5% discount at the EU shop

Barebarics is a fashion forward brand owned by Be Lenka. They are designed for urban dwellers with a highly abrasion-resistant outsole, a little more cushion than Be Lenka shoes, and a modern aesthetic. They really level up the style game AND the quality game.

Because they have a thicker/stiffer outsole and a more cushioned insole I consider these to be a good transition shoe. You could even comfortably use an orthotic inside them if you needed to. Barebarics also have a fabulous toe box shape that’ll work for wide feet and look damn cool. We carry them at Anya’s Shop in the US with worldwide shipping available!

Read my full Barebarics Review here!

Oesh Shoes

Oesh is a women’s brand and is great for someone who wants to wear minimalist shoes every day but still needs a thick sole. With athletic shoes, summer sandals, and even dress shoes, they cover a lot of bases for the modern day woman. The soles are 3d printed in store and were developed to be especially shock absorbent and springy. This results in less impact on the joints, but they are completely flat with no arch support to promote better stability and foot function. Here you can read my experiences with Oesh.

Whitin Sneakers

At around $40, Whitin sneakers are one of the most affordable options out there with lots of casual options. They come with an insole that has a bit of cushion, and you can remove it when you feel like it for a true barefoot experience. They are zero drop and very flexible!

These are a favorite among people who want to try out the concept without making a big investment. And the casual sneakers are even machine washable! I recommend ordering from their “Wide Barefoot” Section for the best foot shape.

You can read my Whitin Barefoot Shoes Review here!

Saguaro Barefoot Sneakers

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off!

Saguaro is an affordable barefoot sneaker brand, and this one comes in a full range of sizes starting at toddler. They come with a removable insole that adds a bit of extra cushion, but not quite as much as the first 5 brands on this list.

The adult athletic shoe models come with an insole that has a slight heel rise, but it’s very minimal and many people transitioning find them an excellent segue to zero drop. You can also remove the insole when you are ready!

At around $36 after my code, they are an easy way to get your foot in the door and see how you like it! My favorites are the knitted version you see here and the Will winter model – both come in the full range of kids and adult sizes!

Read my Saguaro Shoes Review here.

Icarus Footwear

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

Icarus was a pleasant surprise for us on the Anya’s Reviews team. They are a new brand with one model, the Ascent, that comes in men’s and women’s sizes and have been a home run both for our male testers and me.

These sneakers have a sleek design that looks durable, stylish, and still quite wide in the toe box. But possibly the best part about them is they come with 3 insoles that can take you through your transition to barefoot shoes.

The first insole is cushioned and has a 5mm heel rise (not zero drop). The second is 4mm thick, and the third is 3mm thick. You can stack them together to add 7mm of zero drop cushion, or you can remove all insoles altogether to have an ultra thin shoe. These shoes can really transition with you, and will fit most foot types even with the different insole variations.

These are fitting true to size for us.

Wyde Footwear

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

The Arcus sneaker from Wyde Footwear sports a chunky looking outsole that looks heftier than it really is. With a 10mm stack height, it’s still thicker than true barefoot shoes but is decently flexible. The toe box has an extra wide anatomical shape and while the outsole is on the heavy/firm side if you’re used to barefoot shoes, these do have a little bit more ground feel than I was anticipating.

These feel a lot like wearing conventional shoes, but without the pinchy tapered toe box! There is no internal support, but they are high volume and have a thin removable insole so if you wanted to add your own support insole there should be plenty of space for it. The size chart is accurate and I would stick with your normal size. These are super wide so you won’t need to size up for extra space.

Flux Footwear

Flux footwear is another stylish sneaker option that is zero drop and wider than average. They have a thicker cushioned sole, and a soft knitted upper. The Adapt Trainer (left) has more of a tapered toe box than I prefer, but they can work well if you are new to barefoot shoes or have a narrow foot.

The Adapt Runner (right) has a thicker sole – 22mm stack height – and a wider forefoot, but does have quite a lot of toe spring. This makes Flux a compromise option IMO. They might be exactly what you’re looking for, but don’t meet every one of my personal shoe criteria.

Transitional Sandals

Looking for sandals? There are TONS of minimalist sandal options, but the following are the best ones for newbies.

Bedrock Sandals

Bedrock Sandals are rugged, hard-wearing, and thick-soled. You can choose from a range of models (8-20mm thick), some with mild arch support and others completely minimal. I like Bedrocks because they are secure to your feet, but let your toes be completely free. They are great for both everyday and all kinds of adventuring thanks to the great traction on the sole. They also now have a closed to model, the Mountain Clog!

Luna Sandals

Use my link for an automatic 15% off directly from Luna

Luna Sandals has an extensive lineup of running and lifestyle sandals. You can get thick or thin soles that conform to your foot over time and are very secure. One pair of running sandals from Luna should last you years, and can be worn for every day as well as exercise. My personal favorites are the Rooted line of sandals that have traditional leather laces. They are adorable and pass as fashion sandals. The Mono Winged is Justin’s go-to in the summer, and we now carry them at Anya’s Shop!

Shamma Sandals

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These high quality handmade sandals come in a variety of thicknesses and features. Shamma Sandals are similar in construction to Luna sandals but with velcro adjustments for easier on and off. They also have a leather strap sandal that is extremely comfortable. These are the most comfortable adventure sandals I’ve tried, and they also look cute as everyday shoes. You can see my full review here.

Earth Runners

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Earth Runners is another brand that is super secure, durable, and lets your toes go wild. They have different thicknesses depending on your needs, but all are completely flat and flexible. I’ve been wearing Earth Runners for a while now and love them for hiking as well as every day wear. They only have one strapping style, and I love how simple it is. I’ve worn mine with dresses, jeans, and basically everything. This is a great brand for both new and seasoned barefooters.

Using Insoles to Transition

My favorite tip for transitioning into barefoot shoes is get yourself some insoles! They add a little more cushion to your barefoot shoes for whenever you need it – they make your shoes more versatile without having to buy multiple pairs.

My two favorite insoles for barefoot shoe beginners are the following:

• NorthSole Insoles – flat, flexible, long lasting and come in two thicknesses
• Bridge Soles – mild arch support and heel lift to aid your transition to zero drop shoes

I used NorthSole insoles myself as I transitioned and they were a total lifesaver! I suddenly had a lot more options to choose from and could still make them comfortable for me. To this day I use them on long travel days and/or joint pain days (I have hypermobility so these happen occasionally for me).

Learn about more insoles to wear with barefoot shoes here!

Wide Toe Box Options Without a Barefoot Sole

If you’re just looking for toe space, but can’t or don’t want a barefoot sole – you have options! Check out the article below to see the list of our favorites.

It Doesn’t Have to be Complicated!

It might feel like there is a steep learning curve when it comes to minimalist shoes, but if you stick with it you’ll be rewarded with strength from the ground up (read my Barefoot Journey here). Maybe you won’t be able to jump in feet first, but getting to know the ins and outs of of the barefoot world will go a long way to help you on your path.

Are you new to barefoot shoes? Here are a few resources you might like:

• The Best Affordable Barefoot Shoes
• How Do I Pick My First Pair?
• How Do You Transition To Barefoot Shoes?

The post The Best Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Brands for Beginners appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

Miranda, being a super smart and compassionate friend (and runner/climber/orthotist), has agreed to share with you a beginner’s guide to selecting healthy footwear in a guest post.

Key Elements of Minimalist Shoes

by Miranda C

If you are curious about barefoot or minimalist shoes, this post is for you. As someone who runs in barefoot sandals, I often find myself explaining the benefits of wearing them to people wondering why the heck I’m running in sandals. A lot of times the opportunity pops up as people are jogging by yelling, “You forgot your shoes!” Or, “You need to be careful running in those!” This post is the explanation I wish I could share with all of those passersby.

What is a Minimalist Shoe?

1. Wide Toe Box
2. Zero Heel Drop
3. Thin Flexible Sole
4. No Arch Support
5. Secure to the Foot

I, like a lot of people, first came across the idea of “going barefoot” in the book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. Now, as somebody who wore orthotics for flat feet as a kid and then later became an orthotist, that idea blew my mind.

I’m not suggesting that orthotics are always contraindicated. They definitely have their place. However, a healthy person wearing an orthotic without plans to wean off of it, is similar to a person taking ibuprofen long-term to treat pain without investigating the underlying reason for the pain. When orthotics do the work to support joints or arches, the muscles surrounding these areas weaken.

1. Wide Toe Box

This allows your toes to splay out like they naturally do when you are barefoot. With a wider splay comes more stability! And it also decreases your risk for toe deformities like hammertoes, bunions, and Morton’s Neuroma.

softstarshoes.com

2. Zero Heel Drop

Zero heel drop essentially means a flat sole. This encourages a balance between the anterior and posterior muscles of your leg. Most shoes, even if not considered “heels” have some sort of heel. Running shoes typically have about a 12mm heel drop from heel to toe. Wearing shoes with even a slightly wedged heel puts your Achilles’, calves, and hamstrings in a shortened position and consequently tilts your pelvis forward. Having zero heel drop shoes allows for better alignment of your hips and consequently your spine and neck.

lemsshoes.com

3. Thin Flexible Sole

Having a sole that is thin and flexible allows you to feel the ground you are stepping on. This sensory feedback can improve your nerve health and proprioception (knowing where your foot is in space), which is essential for balance. It also promotes natural foot movement. A lot of shoes have a thick, rigid sole, which limits range of motion when walking. Less cushioning also tends to make you tread lightly. Think of jumping on a pillow. You have to land harder on the pillow than you would on a piece of paper to feel stable, solid ground beneath you.

4. No Arch Support

This also allows for natural movement of the foot. Arch supports lock your foot into a single position all throughout the gait cycle. Pronation has a bad rap, but it is actually the most stable position of the foot while walking or running and some pronation is desirable for shock absorption. Having the freedom to move your foot can improve your intrinsic muscles, which support your natural arch and decreases your risk for plantar fasciitis.

5. Secure to the Foot

In other words, not flip flops. If your shoe has all the tenets of a minimalist shoe, but doesn’t stay on your foot, then you most likely are having to alter your gait to walk. Next time you wear flip flops, pay attention to how your
toes are gripping the shoe so it doesn’t fall off. This is not a natural gait pattern and can lead to toe problems.

Transition Time

The first time I donned a minimalist sandal I was blown away with how it felt like I was walking barefoot…but with shoes. They felt secure on my foot, my toes had plenty of room, I had full range of motion. It was amazing.

Of course getting started walking and moving around in barefoot shoes does not always come naturally for everyone. In fact, it can seem very unnatural. If your feet have spent their whole lives in “casts” (aka, rigid, supportive shoes) they may be overwhelmed with the amount of work that is suddenly required of them.

Transitioning to minimalist shoes takes time and a lot of effort. If you haven’t worn them before, you may need to consult a professional before transitioning. Before I knew much about feet, i unknowingly jumped from a super supportive shoe to Nike Free’s (a more minimalistic shoe) and found myself with plantar fasciitis from not transitioning properly. It is essential to start out wearing minimalist shoes for a short time and gradually increase in time and distance. Every body is different and as a result everyone’s journey to being barefoot will look different.

Transitioning to barefoot is more than just a matter of switching shoes. It may mean switching gait patterns, working on your alignment and/or strengthening your muscles through different exercises and texture walking. But don’t worry, there are plenty of great resources to help you through this process, such as Katy Bowman’s excellent work and The Foot Collective.

Since completely and properly transitioning to minimalist footwear, I can go around the house with no shoe and no support and be just fine. In fact, I can go much longer periods standing or walking before my feet tire out. My balance has improved. And I’m doing my feet a big service by not squishing them into a restrictive toe box. 

So, if you are wondering if YOU can go barefoot because you wear orthotics or because you’ve had plantar fasciitis, join the club.  Don some minimalist shoes and see for yourself how amazing your feet work when they move the way nature intended.  

The post What Exactly is a Barefoot or Minimalist Shoe? appeared first on Anya's Reviews.