Sketchers are another example, open to the general non-athletic population and have become hugely popular due to their soft, light weight construction. Since then, other manufactures have followed suit, with their own versions.
The Nike-Free renewed the interest in minimalist and partially minimalist footwear, when it hit the shelves in 2005. The first minimalist running shoes, called ‘racing flats’ appeared in 1977. Key features of minimalist shoes include: zero pitch heels minimal padding ultra-thin soles flexible upper materials minimal arch support and a wide toe box. Minimalist shoes are designed to remove/reduce the influence of shoes on gait and foot function. Minimalist Footwear – Supposed Benefits in Adults and Children It is claimed his Nike-Zoom Runners contributed from between 1-4% to his performance.
His time of 1:59:40 was heralded as a historic ‘Neil Armstrong’ moment… a once in a life-time achievement. In October of last year, Eliud Kipchoge, the world’s greatest marathon runner, wore a pair of highly specialised Nike runners to became the first person to break 2 hours for the marathon. Athletic shoes in particular, have undergone marked modification over the years. Shoes have become more sophisticated in their design, with manufacturers continually striving to improve the performance of their footwear. With the emergence of advanced rubber and synthetic materials since the 1950’s, limitless shoe designs have become possible. Such shoes were so impractical that to walk or work in them, was virtually impossible, without the assistance of at least two servants. High-heeled shoes were popularised by Louis XIV (in the 16th century) as a demonstration of wealth and power. In many cultures, removing your shoes prior to entering a home or a place of worship is a sign of courtesy and respect. In Roman times, slaves and prisoners were forced to go unshod, either as punishment or as evidence of their inferiority. Throughout history, shoes have been used as a symbol of wealth, freedom and power. From these humble beginnings, footwear evolved to became the much sort after fashion accessory we know today. The earliest shoes were made of soft, wrap-around leather and resembled sandals or moccasins. Footwear: A Brief HistoryĮvidence suggests we first began to cover our feet around 40,000 years ago. Happy Fit Footwear specialises in podiatrist approved footwear for all ages. But what about minimalist footwear? Why do certain people request these and why have minimalist shoes become so popular? Is there a place for them in a podiatrist owned footwear store? We all want to look good, but it hasn’t always been easy for me to direct my patients towards comfortable shoes, that tick all the boxes. When I opened Happy Fit Footwear in January 2020, I was determined to make healthy footwear choices easier. The Goals of our Shoe Store – Happy Fit Footwear Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Social, environmental, financial, ethical and cultural factors all come into play. Many factors influence these choices, and unfortunately it isn’t always the underlying structural and physical limitations of a person’s feet and lower extremities that determines their decision. Supportive or cushioned footwear that protect our feet, serve as much more than a mere fashion accessory.Īs a podiatrist my role is to educate my patients to help them make appropriate footwear choices. Let us also consider modern day challenges created by hard flooring, increased body weight and occupational health and safety. Shoes protect our feet from temperature extremes, uneven terrain, foreign bodies and infection. But is there really a good case for ditching our traditional footwear? Are shoes making our feet lazy and if so, does this lead to ‘fallen arches’ and an increased risk of injury? What Shoes Actually Do and the Role of Podiatry in the Choice of Footwearīefore we step too deeply into our discussion, let us first consider the role of footwear as a means of protection. Bare-foot walking and minimalist footwear is also said to maximise sensory feedback from the feet and enhance proprioception (the awareness of the position and movement of the body). The rationale behind the movement, is that walking bare-footed acts to strengthen the intrinsic muscles and improve muscle activation through the legs and gluteal muscles. Footwear manufacturers have responded with their various interpretations of the minimalist running shoe.
The ‘bare-foot’ movement, bare-foot running in particular, has grown in popularity in recent years, supported by media hype and advertising. In 1960, Ethiopian athlete Abebe Bikila won the Olympic marathon running in bare feet. The practice of taking part in outdoor activities either bare-footed or wearing minimalist footwear is no new phenomenon. Walking barefooted in the sand is one of life’s great pleasures
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