Step Lightly: Eco-Friendly Barefoot Shoes for Happy Feet
Vivobarefoot, the UK-based footwear innovator, has once again pushed the boundaries of shoe design with the launch of its latest model, the Motus Flex. Touted as the thinnest and most flexible shoe the company has ever created, the Motus Flex aims to revolutionize the way we think about footwear. According to Rina Harris, a London-based functional podiatrist, shoes like Vivobarefoot’s should be the standard rather than the exception. Harris’ own journey to barefoot shoes began after experiencing persistent foot pain, which led her to Vivobarefoot’s store in Covent Garden. Since then, she has become an advocate for barefoot shoes, citing emerging research that supports their benefits.
Harris explains that more studies are now highlighting the advantages of barefoot shoes. She references research that shows a significant correlation between footwear usage and foot shape deformities, especially focusing on Hallux Valgus Angles (HVA). The study revealed that individuals who predominantly wore conventional closed-toe shoes or sandals exhibited higher HVA values compared to those who were mostly barefoot or wore open-toe sandals. This indicates that traditional footwear can negatively impact toe alignment and overall foot health over time. Conversely, individuals in jobs that allow for open-toe footwear or sandals reported fewer foot-related issues.
This stands in stark contrast to the design of many athletic shoes, which are often marketed as health and exercise-friendly. These shoes typically feature thick, cushioned soles, purported to offer a “cloud nine” running experience. However, Harris notes that the 33 joints in our feet are meant to mobilize naturally, something that rigid shoes prevent. Modern surfaces are flat and hard, exacerbating the problem by failing to provide the uneven terrain necessary for natural foot movement. In contrast, barefoot shoes encourage natural foot mobilization by allowing the feet to mold to the ground. This is vital, as the foot is a sensory organ equipped with over 200,000 nerve receptors designed to feel and respond to the ground beneath us.
Vivobarefoot’s mission revolves around freeing people from cushioned shoes and reintroducing them to the sensation of the ground beneath their feet. The company has meticulously designed the Motus Flex by drawing inspiration from natural movements and indigenous footwear practices. The result is a shoe with unparalleled flexibility, boasting a sole that moves in harmony with the body’s natural mechanics more than any other Vivo shoe to date. According to Clark, the aim was to create footwear that truly listens to our body’s needs.
As more research supports the health benefits of barefoot shoes, it seems Vivobarefoot is ahead of the curve in advocating for foot health and natural movement. The Motus Flex is not just a shoe; it’s a statement against the conventional wisdom of cushioned footwear. By focusing on natural foot mechanics and promoting a more grounded walking experience, Vivobarefoot continues to challenge the status quo in the footwear industry. Whether you’re plagued by foot pain or simply curious about the barefoot movement, the Motus Flex could very well be a step in the right direction.
