September 2025
Some thoughts on footwear, posture and going barefoot…
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how the shoes we wear affect the way we move. Steel-toed boots, ski boots, high heels, cowboy boots, we all know they’re not great for our feet (or posture), but they serve a purpose. Still, it’s important to recognize how much they’re shaping the way we stand, walk, and feel.
First things first: every foot is different, so find shoes that truly fit your feet. Try them on, walk around, and notice how your body feels in them.
Second: make time to be barefoot every day. It doesn’t have to be all day, but your feet need time without added structure or support to stay strong and functional.
Now, about minimalist shoes or socks, they’re better than most traditional shoes, but they still affect your posture. Even the thinnest sole adds a new vector to how your body aligns. True barefoot is best, especially around the house or in controlled environments.
This past winter, I went on a beach vacation and decided to be barefoot as much as possible. By day two, my feet were killing me. Every little bone and ligament felt sore and overworked. Why? Because I’d spent the winter in ski boots and slippers. My feet weren’t ready for that much freedom.
Your feet can become under active when they’re constantly supported. The muscles and ligaments stop doing their job, and your foot has lost function. Next time I go on a trip like that, I’ll start with maybe 10% barefoot time on day one, and increase gradually so I don’t stress my feet out. Going barefoot too suddenly can actually lead to injuries like stress fractures or a broken foot. So go slow.
Here’s the root of the problem: supportive shoes, especially those with built-in arch support, can train your feet to stop working. Our feet have three arches, and when you wear shoes that support them too much (especially orthotics), those arches stop functioning naturally.
Think of the foot like a spring, it spreads out when you land and springs you forward when you walk. Shoes dull that movement. Over time, the muscles get lazy, your foot stops doing its job, and your posture can suffer. The movement chain starts at your feet and works all the way up your body to your neck.
So if your body is hurting, maybe it’s time to take off your shoes, and start waking up your feet.
Katie Franzmann
