You walk around barefoot enough to know that your feet can handle being completely flat to the ground, you don’t experience calf pain or fatigue by existing this way at home. The next step is to investigate shoes that allow you to continue this way of walking while outside the house.
Altra Shoes
Chloe highly recommends Altra Shoes as they have a wide range of cushioned and lightly cushioned shoes that provide a wide toe box to allow your toes to spread and widen and move freely, they mostly have a zero drop, which means flat to the ground with no heel.
Birkenstock shoes
If you need a little arch support, we recommend either custom orthotics from Medipod Clinics, or built in arch support as found in Birkenstock shoes and sandals. There are also the hotly debated Vibram toe shoes, with individual pockets for each toe to move independently. These have a lot less cushioning, you can feel everything through the shoe – every bump lump and stone… these can be quite uncomfortable and take a lot to work your way up too.
But what if your feet don’t feel strong enough to transition into those types of shoes?
There are exercises!
Of course, there are exercises! That special magical work that prevents and cures most bodily ailments, EXERCISE.
The top exercise for getting stronger feet is to simply walk and exercise in general more, and if possible, in bare feet. We are not suggesting cardio in bare feet, but yoga, Pilates, bands, dumbbells even, if you’re careful of where you put them.
Walking over lumpy ground like at Burbage Common or at Bradgate Park, in shoes, is a great way to train your ankle and foot mobility and strength. Taking up a martial art requires bare foot work, and this will also increase strength.
Targeted exercises for your feet though are a little different, but these can either be incorporated into your normal workout routine, or when you’re sat relaxing in front of the TV.
Want some inspiration for such exercises? Go here, or Email [email protected] and ask, and she will send you her top exercises for your feet.
Don’t forget to book in if you need personalised help and advice.
Thank you for taking time to read this week’s blog – Altra Shoes – Start with Your Feet. I hope that you found some of this information helpful on your health and fitness journey. If you would like further advice, or are struggling with a pain and you don’t quite know what to do, come and see me. You can use my Booking Link or check out my website for a little further information at www.astralfitness.co.uk
See you soon!
Chloe & Jen