I like your response because too many people see products on the Internet along with positive customer testimonials and decide that a miracle product will resolve their issues. Your response regarding peripheral neuropathy is a responsible one. I am intrigued by this product because I have peripheral neuropathy and also radiculopathy. My balance is slowly getting worse. However, because it is painful for me to go barefoot — except on carpet — I am hesitant to wear a shoe without very good cushioning.

Try Altra brand and then barefoot brands after wearing Altra for awhile. You can get Altra online or at REI.

So I have peripheral neuropathy from a stroke. I absolutely need something desperately. Please give an ideaog beast shoe. Thanks so much.

The text says that those groups should consider working with a professional, not that they should never wear barefoot shoes or won’t benefit from them! That continues to be my stance. Because of the risk of wounds going unnoticed in people with peripheral neuropathy, extra care is needed.

Please don’t spread nonsense.

People will believe you!

Our senior fitness has a vibration platform…. I use it 20 minutes 4 times a week for my neuropathy…it stimulates the nerves and increases circulation in your feet and legs …into week 10 with very little change so far but I am sticking with it…age 78

I agree… I have idiopathic neuropathy… very poor balance but no pain…. keeps me closer to the ground and light weight…age 78

I would at least give wide toe box shoes a try, but I really can’t say how you’ll respond to barefoot shoes. Have you ever tried stimulating the nerves in your feet? There is a lot of really interesting research about how those nerves help with posture and gait, so experimenting (safely) with texture and foot wiping might help. In this email newsletter that I sent out yesterday I linked to Naboso Technology and a podcast that talks about foot wiping (it’s after the wedding shoe section). That is something you could explore.

Hi Cate, Yes I had to approach barefoot shoes slowly and carefully. I used my orthotics inside my barefoot shoe for some time while I built up strength, and to this day I keep some cushioned options around for bad days/long hikes, etc. There is not standardized approach, everyone will experience it differently. But in general it seems like people with hypermobility should be paying extra attention to signals from their body when they try minimal shoes, and not be afraid to backtrack or modify as needed.

I am with you. I have peripheral neuropathy as well. Barefoot shoes allow me to use my entire foot to help keep my balance. Also, the message being sent from my feet to my brain is that my nerves need repaired. My neurologist and physical therapist have both said that they have heard this before from other patients.