The toes resemble the roots of a tree, so the more they spread out, the more stable support they provide. So pay attention to shoes because a flower in a too-small pot will not thrive either!
Cowboy or fin-shaped boots? Formal shoes, loafers, boots, or pumps versus barefoot shoes with a clown toe? Will fashion or health win?
Why is it necessary to lean on your toes?
The body functions as a complex system, interconnected from head to toe. When supported by the spread toes, the weight is distributed evenly over the entire foot, the longitudinal and transverse arches fulfil their function, and the body naturally maintains the correct position with slightly bent knees, a supported pelvis, a functioning pelvic floor, internal abdominal muscles, …
Shoes with a narrow toe box, a raised toe, or a high heel can squeeze the toes, so the centre of gravity can shift out of the optimal position. The weight shifts, the arch drops, the ankle collapses, the knees buckle, the buttocks stick out, the inner abdominal muscle sag, the belly sticks out, etc. Ankles, knees, hips, spine, back, shoulders, and other critical points become overloaded and risk permanent damage.
Shoes with a wide toe box
The problem with ready-to-wear shoes is that they don't respect the anatomical shape of our feet, whether we're looking for the maximum space for the dominant big toe or enough room to spread the toes wide enough to keep gaps between the phalanxes. Instead of the shoes adapting to the feet, the feet adapt to the shoes until foot deformities occur.
It is one of the reasons why we wear barefoot shoes. Thanks to their wider toe box, the toes in the shoe spread out comfortably and allow for a proper unwinding of the steps. Yes, they are slightly wider in appearance, but only a few resemble clown shoes. You can’t tell most of them from regular shoes, so for us, they’re the ideal choice - comfortable, but not extreme.
We like the fact that we can wear them with the correctors on, so we can improve our toes throughout the working day, not just at home when we're relaxing with the adjustment socks on. We can recommend them as an enhancement accessory if you want to gradually restore the functionality of your feet.