My experience with barefoot shoes and foot arch health (controversial)

[MetroBrah]

The theory behind wearing barefoot shoes is that they simulate being barefoot, ultimately helping you to strengthen the muscles in your feet.

I've experimented with everything from minimalist shoes, maximulist shoes, barefoot shoes and everything in between. In my experience, barefoot shoes actually made my flatfootedness worse. Not only that, this started to effect my knees. Instead of strengthening the muscles in your feet, what I have found is that shoes in general form your feet into the shape of the shoe. This part they got right. The problem is that a flat shoe shapes your foot into a flat foot.

You can experiment at home by putting on your flat Van slip on style shoes and wearing them for an hour. Take them off and then stand on the floor barefoot.

Now, do the same thing with a pair of arch supported, bouncy running shoes from Brooks/Asics/Nike etc. Take them off and then stand on the floor in barefoot. Your arch now favors the shape of a running shoe.

It's the same concept as wearing braces.

Based on my experience, the best shoe possible would actually be something with a wide toe box, but also a strong, high arch supported sole/insole

[blueberryboy]

My feet are flat af bro

Get some custom orthotics done up srs

[ScrillaIsBake]

Just be like LinuxJon and cut the grass while barefoot instead

[mezner09]

normal/mid arch feet checking in. No fukking way im wearing barefoot shoes JFL. Running 40 mpw IDK why anyone would want that stress on their legs anyhow.

[jamalfudge]

Been wearing Xero shoes for the last three years or so. You do have to make an effort to step correctly and distribute your bodyweight on your forefoot.

[NearlyBigAngus]

Been barefoot for a year - feet never been so good.
Use Lems Boulder boots and some cheap Hobibear ones from Aliexpress for work. I was pronating my ankle on one side which dropped the arch and this has made me correct it as well as strengthen my feet and arches generally. Also do a lot of bodyweight calf raises and cycle every day. Used to get a lot of cramps in my left foot from tired muscles, can't remember the last time it happened since making the change to barefoot shoes.

[imbored205]

OP is a mouthbreathing heel striker

[legbroke]

Raw dog or no dog crew

OP is a mouthbreathing heel striker

This

[TXBuddy]

My leg day shoes are Adidas Spezials. They are flat shoes with arch support.

[Drhunglow]

OP is a mouthbreathing heel striker

That would hurt like hell on concrete in barefoot shoes

[theraskal]

I remember wearing wrestling shoes for end-of-practice running around the school and it was not suitable for running on hard surface and so not conducive for good foot/shin health. Soft surface like soft dirt/sand/grass ok for barefoot training but running hard surface need cushion