Do you want to improve your alignment while walking or running but aren’t sure which shoes are best? Minimal shoes can help us move in a more natural, aligned and mindful way. I have several favorite minimal shoes for natural movement for spring and summer to share with you!
How to Choose a Shoe:
To help choose a shoe, I have four main criteria.
Minimal Shoe Criteria
- Wide Toe Box
Our toes need plenty of room to move and should not be squished!
- Attached Heel
An enclosed heel or shoe that attaches at the heel (unlike a flip-flop) ensures that the foot is not working in an unnatural way just to stay inside the shoe.
- Zero Drop
The heel is not higher than the toes.
- Thin, Flexible Sole
The sole should allow our foot to be mobile and feel the ground.
What do I wear?
Personally, I use these criteria whenever I am purchasing shoes for myself or my children. However, this is NOT a universal list that is best for everyone. I am comfortable wearing minimal shoes because I spend a lot of time barefoot. Both at home and in the classes I teach, I regularly work on strength and mobility in my feet. If this is a dramatic change for you, a more gradual approach to adjusting your footwear may be best. When transitioning to a minimal shoe, it is important not to overdo it – our body needs time to adapt. (If you are wondering how to do this, I will be including some exercises to help with foot strength and mobility in upcoming posts!)
Where to Shop:
Minimal shoes for natural movement are not always easy to find, but there are some great choices out there! Most of the time, I order my shoes online because it is easier to find shoes to fit these four criteria. (Also, I don’t really like shopping!) Some of my favorite brands include Vivobarefoot, Vibram and Unshoes, and I am including links to the shoes mentioned in my video below. (I am either including the link to the exact shoe or the closest I can find online.)
I wish you a happy season full of mindful movement!