To develop robust muscle mass, dense bones, and wholesome nerves, our toes have to be labored identical to different physique components. That’s why some podiatrists advocate spending as a lot time as potential barefoot — or in minimalist footwear that protects the pores and skin and permits the foot its full vary of movement.
“Tissue must really feel load in an effort to adapt,” explains biomechanist Katy Bowman, MS, creator of Rethink Your Place. “In case you’ve cushioned and immobilized your toes with inflexible sneakers, they now not really feel load. So, you’re placing the weakest a part of you beneath your total physique weight.”
Nonetheless, don’t simply chuck your Chucks and head out for a barefoot dash. “There’s loads of transitional work wanted in the event you’ve been sporting sneakers for many years,” she cautions. “Workouts and consciousness might help you transition efficiently.”
(For extra on barefoot coaching, see “Naked Your Sole: Barefoot Coaching.”)
Because the literal basis of our our bodies, our toes are essential to preserving us energetic and wholesome. See “What Your Toes Are Attempting to Inform You,” from which this text was excerpted, for six widespread foot points and steps to relieving them.
