Transition to barefoot footwear

What does TRANSITION mean?

Moving from conventional footwear with a narrow toe box, thick, hard, and inflexible soles, and heels that can reach up to 12 cm... and making the change to a more natural and healthy way of wearing shoes, as is the objective of using barefoot footwear, is important to do so gradually so that our feet and the rest of the body (mainly legs and back) get used to it.

There are different strategies and types of footwear suitable for making this transition to barefoot footwear. For example, using a slightly thicker sole (approximately 6 mm) than the minimalist ideal, but one that is completely flat, allowing for a natural stride but with less sensation of the ground. An example would be BLANDY'S models with a transitional sole, which is 6 mm thick (as opposed to the 3 mm of models with barefoot soles).

There are brands and models sold with different types of insoles to help us transition to barefoot. Drop insoles (higher at the heel than at the toe) allow the foot to transition from walking with a slanted rear to completely flat. They are indicated for the initial stages, although some people may feel that this change is sufficient for them; the complete transition would end with using a completely flat, thin insole. SUNNI SABBI and FREE MUSTANG (for adults) offer this type of insole.

Other brands or models have more than one insole. Even though they are completely flat, their thickness increases and they can be removed as you progress toward barefoot footwear. This is the case with the innovative brand OHNE PROJECT and its 080 model.

On the other hand, almost all footwear brands that design eco-friendly shoes take great care with the finishes on the inside of the shoe, making them suitable for use without an insole.

In addition to the gradual use of footwear, it is also recommended to massage and exercise your feet to increase flexibility and awaken muscles that have not been working due to the use of conventional footwear.

Thank you so much for making it this far. Feel free to leave your comments or questions so we can continue to expand our knowledge of this fascinating world.