Minimalism is every where. I'm currently obsessed with the most recent drop of Hoarders on Netflix and it makes me want to swing the other way in decor... Get rid of all the things and be a minimalist. But that's not the kind of minimalism we're talking about today. Because when it comes to footwear, minimalism is becoming increasingly popular and it's not just because it's a fun trend.

 

Minimalist footwear refers to shoes with a low heel-to-toe drop, which help to mimic the natural motion of walking or running barefoot, with a wide toe box so your toes have room to - well - be toes. In addition to providing greater flexibility and range of motion, minimalist footwear offers many benefits that have made it a top choice for athletes and everyday shoe-wearers alike. What started as a venture in to the best kind of shoes for my kids in 2017 with Little Love Bug - Has transformed my personal closet. I want to be clear, I'm a girl that loves her shoes, but I'm not here to shame your current footwear choices. If I'm being honest, I love me some Sorel wedges, but on the flip side of that... I reach for them less and less not because I don't love the look, but because of the knowledge that continues to pop up about the benefits of minimalist and barefoot footwear that's undeniable... My goal is to arm you with knowledge so that YOU can choose what works best for you and your family.

 

So let's take a quick look at what Minimalist Footwear does...

Improved balance and proprioception
Minimalist footwear is great for improving balance and proprioception, as it encourages the foot to adjust to uneven terrain. This provides an opportunity to strengthen the small muscles of the foot, which helps to improve overall balance and stability. Minimalist shoes also allow the foot to move in a more natural way and gives it greater freedom of movement, allowing it to adapt more easily to changing environments. With this improved sense of balance, users can be more confident when performing activities such as running, jumping, or even walking on challenging terrain. Additionally, the more natural movement provided by minimalist shoes can help improve proprioception, or the ability to sense body position and motion. Improved proprioception can make movements more precise, helping users to better control their body during physical activity.

Better Form
Minimalist footwear can help to promote better form when running or walking. By reducing the amount of cushioning, heel elevation and support, minimalist footwear allows for a more natural footstrike that puts less strain on the body (hello back and knee pain). The thinner sole and reduced cushioning encourages you to land on your forefoot or midfoot, as opposed to your heel, which is beneficial for both performance and injury prevention. Landing on your forefoot reduces impact forces, allowing for a smoother running gait and improved efficiency. Additionally, having a more natural footstrike can help to prevent common running injuries such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis.

Increased Muscle Activation
Minimalist footwear can provide several muscle-activation benefits for your feet and legs. When you wear minimalist shoes, the thin sole of the shoe encourages your feet to engage more muscles in order to keep your balance. This improved balance leads to increased activation of the muscles in your feet, ankles, and legs. With more muscle activation, the muscles in your feet, ankles, and legs become stronger and better able to support your body during movement. Additionally, this muscle activation helps to improve coordination, as well as posture and stability. It also helps you gain greater control of the muscles in your lower body and helps you build strength more efficiently than traditional shoes.

Greater Range of Motion
Minimalist footwear can help improve your range of motion. Without the extra cushioning and structure of a traditional running shoe, your foot is able to bend and flex more naturally as you move. This helps you to move with greater fluidity, improving both your agility and balance. The added flexibility also helps you to access more of the muscles in your feet, ankles, and calves, providing an additional challenge for strengthening and stability.
Moreover, minimalist footwear is designed with a lower heel-to-toe drop which encourages a more natural gait pattern. This means that when you take a step, you are more likely to land on the ball of your foot instead of the heel. This puts less stress on your joints, allowing them to move through a full range of motion. With each step you take, your body is working in harmony and achieving a higher level of mobility.

Reduced Injuries
Minimalist footwear can offer a variety of health benefits, one of which is the reduced risk of injury. The reduced cushioning in minimalist shoes allows the body to interact more naturally with the ground, resulting in a greater sense of balance and improved proprioception. This enhanced control over foot placement, in combination with better form and improved stability, leads to less strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. This can help reduce the risk of injury due to overuse or improper form. Additionally, minimalist footwear encourages an increased range of motion in the foot and ankle which further helps reduce the likelihood of developing an overuse injury. 

Improved Stability
When it comes to your feet and shoes, improved stability is a key benefit of minimalist footwear. Minimalist shoes allow you to feel the ground beneath your feet, providing better feedback that helps you maintain your balance and equilibrium. With increased contact with the ground, you’ll have an easier time stabilizing your body during movements, allowing you to move more naturally. This can translate to improved performance when engaging in athletic activities, as well as improved stability when standing for long periods of time. Furthermore, since your feet are closer to the ground and have more direct contact with it, you’ll also be able to sense irregularities in the surface beneath you, making it easier to adjust accordingly. This can help prevent falls or other accidents that can occur from unexpected or uneven surfaces. Overall, minimalist footwear provides greater stability, both in the short and long term, by allowing your feet to interact more directly with the ground.

 

In summary, minimalist footwear offers a number of benefits, including improved balance and proprioception, better form, increased muscle activation, greater range of motion, and ultimately reduced injuries. So when you grab your shoes the next time you're going out. I encourage you to at least CONSIDER what you're putting on your feet. The more you learn I guarantee your choices will start to alter. I know mine have.