There has been a huge rise recently in the trend for wearing Barefoot Shoes and this is set to continue as the benefits of being barefoot, or simulating being barefoot, become better known. Barefoot shoes allow the foot to sit in its natural position and support the natural biomechanical movements when walking or standing. By supporting the natural movements, barefoot shoes encourage a natural gait which in turn improves posture and breathing while engaging key muscles in the legs and feet.
The feet have evolved after millions of years to move in perfect sequence, by wearing standard shoes the natural abilities of the feet are often hindered due to the lack of contact with the ground and the inability to move freely. Barefooting shoes are the ultimate minimalist shoes; they have been specifically designed to create the same experiences and sensations of being barefoot and therefore give the same benefits to the wearer.
Shoes for barefoot fans have to have an ultra thin sole and provide exceptional flexibility so as to give the foot ultimate freedom. Barefoot shoes should fit snugly to the feet so the toes don't have to claw to keep them on as this can lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis.
There are different barefooting shoes depending on the activities they will be used for, Jinga barefooting shoes were originally designed for Capoeira, a brazilian art that fuses dance and martial arts, so had to be extremely flexible and offer incredible grip. These barefooting shoes have risen in popularity due to their eco-friendly credentials and vivid colours.
Kigo were designed as a minimalist shoe and are targeted at everyone from barefooting athletes to jet setters alike. Kigo have shoes for barefoot fans, whatever the activity, thanks to their flexibility and hook and loop system, Kigo shoes will fit in even the smallest bag while the thin sole and light weight makes them perfect for those who run or hike barefoot.
FiveFingers are often referred to as the "ultimate barefooting shoes" as they have individual toes and are designed to fit the feet like a second skin. The toe pockets allow each toe to move independently which heightens the sense of proprioception and allows the wearer to connect with the ground. Fivefingers have shoes for barefoot running, hiking and rock climbing but they can also be worn during daily activities as well.
Shoes for barefoot activities are becoming more widely available as the demand for minimalist shoes grows. Not merely a passing trend, barefoot shoes have been endorsed by biomechanic researchers, athletes and podiatrists alike as being healthy not just for the feet, but for the whole body.
