Why Footwear Matters

Why Footwear Matters:

The Hidden Impact on Your Body

Footwear isn't just a fashion choice — it's a biomechanical decision that can influence everything from your toes to your lower back. The shape, height, and stiffness of your shoes affect how your feet function, how forces are distributed, and ultimately how your body moves and feels. This is why some shoes feel great and others are always a problem.

Heels: Shifting the Pressure

A higher heel tilts the body forward, shifting weight onto the front of the foot. This alters your natural alignment, shortening the calf muscles and increasing pressure on the forefoot and big toe. Over time, this change can impact balance, ankle stability, and even the spine.

Narrow Toe Boxes: Squeezing for Style

Shoes with a pointed or narrow toe box can restrict natural toe splay. This compresses the forefoot, encourages pronation (rolling inwards), and places excess pressure on the big toe. Over time, this contributes to bunion formation and other joint issues as the big toe is pushed out of alignment.

Flat Shoes: Minimal Isn’t Always Natural

While flat shoes may seem like a healthier alternative, they can reduce the foot's ability to push off efficiently. Without proper support or heel rise, your stride can shorten and make it harder to move forward, placing more strain on the ankle and lower leg muscles.

Stiff Shoes: Speed vs. Stability

A very stiff shoe can artificially speed up the stance phase of gait — the part of your stride when your foot is on the floor. While this might make walking feel easier at the foot, it can shift the load to the hips and lower back. This compensation can lead to tightness or discomfort further up the body, especially with prolonged wear.

The Bottom Line

The shoes you wear are more than accessories — they are a key part of your body’s movement system. The right footwear supports natural alignment and efficient movement. The wrong pair? It can quietly contribute to long-term foot problems, postural changes, and pain. When choosing footwear, look for a balance: enough room in the toe box, moderate flexibility, a slight heel rise (not flat, not high), and support that works with your natural gait, not against it.

How you walk is a very individual and unique talent, if you're still unsure, we offer a full assessment on all aspects of your natural gait and can advise you on what works best for you.

Email us for more information: admin@backtoyourfeet.co.uk

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