Considering most of us spend a good deal of time on our feet, it’s surprising how little the majority of us really know about these amazing tools on the end of our legs. Here are 10 foot facts you really need to know, followed up by why you might benefit from a pair of minimalist shoes.
1. 1/4 of the bones in your whole body are in your feet!
That’s right, those tiny parts of your body store 25% of your bones! This goes to show how important and complex the feet really are. They are your body’s natural shock absorbers and are able to withstand the many steps of your life if permitted to function unhindered.
2. Your feet are always in communication with your brain
Each foot has approximately 200,000 very responsive nerves, which are always relaying important data to your brain; this makes your feet primary sensory organs.
3. Your big toes are key tools
Your toes are in contact with the ground roughly 75% of the time that you walk. Your big toe in particular is a key mover of your feet, it signals you are balanced when it touches the ground and also helps you to push off the ground.
4. The posture of your foot decides the effectiveness of your weight distribution
That’s right, how your foot is positioned will determine how well your weight is distributed; footwear that raises heels affects the orientation of the pelvis, which has knock-on effects to the alignment of the spine, possibly putting pressure on the lower back. If the posture isn’t quite right, you may find that you suffer with pain and discomfort in your later years.
5. The “perfect” foot doesn’t exist
Basically, there really isn’t such a thing as a perfect foot. There are countless common foot shapes, with varying lengths and placement of the toes, as unique and varied as humans are themselves. We often think about a foot being good if it fits properly into the shoes, when really we ought to be thinking that a shoe is good when it can properly fit the foot. If there were an ideal foot shape, it would be a natural shape and not a standard shoe-shape.
Minimalist shoes and your mighty feet
When you are barefoot, your feet are able to receive more information from the ground and get more out of the transaction. Why not try switching out your ill-fitting shoes with some minimalist shoes, also called zero-drop and barefoot shoes, to see the ways in which you experience a new sense of control and a natural enhancement of your balance, body awareness, and general health?
Order your minimalist shoes today
We now offer a brand new minimalist shoe collection for men and women that are interested in embracing the minimalist, zero-drop/barefoot shoe trend. We offer full-bespoke and semi-bespoke options, so you can choose what suits you best based on your individual preferences. If you have any questions about our high-quality footwear or services, we would love to hear from you, so do not hesitate to contact us.