​THE GOAL: Maintain or rebuild full natural function of one's feet for whole body health and well being for life.

 

HOW: When footwear is necessary or desired, using options that allow MAXIMAL use and MINIMAL interference of the feet's fantastic functions.

 

SOLUTION ONE: DIY OR HAVE THEM HANDCRAFTED

 

First we'd like to drive home the point that like many mass produced things these days, food for example, it may be best to look into making or sourcing footwear closer to home, handcrafted and perhaps customized.

 

For this we have a whole section of our website dedicated to MAKERS. Whether you want to learn how to DIY or would like to connect with someone who can, check out our lengthy list of resources to ready and willing to get you on your way. Click HERE to check it out!

 

SOLUTION TWO: SOURCE FEET-FRIENDLIER FOOTWEAR OPTIONS

 

Here are three current lists of companies we've come across that offer feet-friendlier footwear options. We are thankful these are currently available as we continue to drive the demand for even more and ever better options.

 

Please note: Not all models of a particular brand of footwear are created equal. Because a brand is listed here means that we appreciate at least one of their models and the effort they are putting forth to offer foot-friendlier option(s). We are happy to pass along their mojo and recommend you then use your best judgement to determine what options suit your needs.

 

The lists include different styles, price points and customizeability. To be included in this list the footwear must have at least most of the following features. None have all. It's true, we still have a long way to go and we WILL continue to raise the bar.

 

ALLOW NATURAL (MAXIMAL) TOE SPLAY

whether by shape or by stretch, especially when walking, running, skipping, jumping

 

FLAT + THIN + FLEXIBLE SOLES

that minimally inhibit toe flexion and extension and sensory reception

 

DYNAMIC MATERIALS

stretchy, flexy, opposite-of-stiff; allowing for maximal movement of the foot's 33 joints

 

REPAIRABLE

able to be re-soled for as long as the rest of the shoe holds up

 

without further ado....please review and click through!!