In a recent survey we conducted, our customers provided valuable feedback on our soles. One thing was to keep our soles flexible and thin. Our customers’ comments are the inspiration which leads us to finding out even more about the benefits wearing flexible, thin-soled shoes.
When you look at the evolution of humans, we all know that everyone once walked around barefoot. Then came the invention of shoes and, today, shoes are worn by almost everyone in modern society. Most conventional shoes have thick soles, are not flexible and do not follow the natural foot shape, creating foot issues for many people.
Is walking barefoot or wearing shoes with a thin, flexible sole a good idea? Yes it is! In our research on this topic, we learned that the sensitive nerves in your feet send messages to the brain, and that walking barefoot on irregular ground helps your feet and brain by connecting them more closely. Your brain is able to work better to keep you balanced, as well as more effectively sensing what is under your feet. In thicker-soled shoes that are not as flexible, this is not the case. Your brain doesn't have as much information coming from your feet, so it doesn’t pay as much attention as it does when walking barefoot or in thin-soled shoes.
The closer your foot is to the ground, the more your feet feel. This is beneficial, because it helps you with balance and with avoiding falls by keeping your feet and brain in constant communication. Walking barefoot or with a thin sole also helps your back. In an article written by Dr. Theresa Nesbitt titled Walk barefoot and in minimalist shoes, she explained that by wearing thin-soled shoes, your back will no longer have to act as a shock absorber.
SOM's flexible, thin sole
To maximize the benefits of a thin sole, it needs to be flexible. Flexibility allows your feet to get a workout by moving in a more natural manner than more conventional or thicker-soled shoes. This can prevent additional stress and/or injury to other joints. The sole should have the same thickness from heel to toe. Wearing conventional, thicker-soled shoes also affects your muscles: atrophy can occur if you are not utilizing your natural movement.
Although most of us can’t walk around barefoot all day due to our daily commitments, it is a good idea to take your shoes off and go shoeless at least once a day. To add to your foot health, consider wearing shoes with a thinner, flexible sole whenever shoes are required.