Barefoot, Barefoot Shoes, Supportive Shoes and Shoe Orthotics: A Continuum of Foot Care Support
When it comes to managing foot pain, there is no single approach that works for everyone. Whether it is going barefoot, using barefoot style shoes, or relying on supportive shoe inserts, each has a place in a well-rounded foot care plan.
Barefoot & Barefoot Shoes:
Spending time barefoot or in minimalist footwear can help strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot, improve balance, and encourage a more natural gait pattern. Over time, this may improve load tolerance of the foot tissues, muscles, tendons ligaments etc and reduce the risk of recurrent injury and pain.
Shoe Inserts & Supportive Footwear:
In the acute stages of foot pain, reducing load on injured tissues can be essential. Shoes, taping, orthotics or structured footwear can redistribute pressure and support healing structures. This off-loading phase allows for tissue recovery before returning to some progressive loading and load management.
The Continuum Approach:
Foot care can be viewed as a spectrum:
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One end focuses on maximum support (inserts, structured shoes) for protection and pain relief
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The other end emphasises maximum independence (barefoot or barefoot shoes) for strength and adaptability and load tolerance training.
Individuals may move along this spectrum depending on their symptoms, activity levels, and stage of recovery.
Key Principle:
Avoiding rigid “always barefoot” or “always supported” rules allows for a tailored approach that adapts to your needs and your pain and foot function behaviour over time.
Hamish Vickerman
Physiotherapist and the creator of Fasciitis Fighter products