It seems silly that in the natural movement and minimalist footwear world we need to prove something as obvious as “use it or lose it.” Using your feet means letting them bend, flex, move and feel – including your toes!!!! “Losing” them means not letting them do those things.
There is new research from the University of Sydney, led by Dr. Shayan Quinlan. It discusses how shoes that allow for natural movement allow children to devleop stronger feet, with better muscle structure, and improve their balance as they grow. We can imagine this would also apply to adults.
…an excerpt from an article on the study I think you’ll find particularly interesting…
“Based on the study results the researchers recommend parents and carers look for a flexible shoe using the following pointers to identify the difference between available products.
– Weight: the lighter the shoe, the better
– Flexibility: ensure there is movement when you hold the toe and heel and rotate them in opposite directions and also try folding the shoe in on itself from toe to heel
– Structure: the smaller the height difference from the heel to under the ball of the foot the better”
Visit Anya’s website to find all of the options for foot-shaped shoes.
Impressions of a Holobiont 