Got Foot Problems?

Since it’s lousy weather outside, I seem to be on a posting rampage today… so I thought I would post this link.

http://www.docbailey.com/barefoot_science.asp

I’m a firm believer that most of our foot problems are caused by the weakening of our feet caused by over-supportive/ill-fitting shoes and orthotics. And… we don’t spend enough time walking around barefoot.

This insole comes with various size inserts that force the muscles in our feet to strengthen again. I’ve only known one runner who used them (a larger female athlete with pronation issues)… and it cured all her foot problems after only a short period of use.

It seems there are a lot of people with foot problems out there… so I thought I would recommend giving them a try…

Anyone else tried them? They seem hokey, but apparently they work.

I agree with the statement that our feet are weakened by “supportive” shoes but I have to ask, why would you need an insert to strengthen your feet? Just run barefoot.

I have a track shoe that has the spike plate ground off and a flat rubber outsole put on. Same as barefoot but I don’t have to worry about glass and I conform to USAT rules regarding shoes.

Most people don’t have a place to run barefoot safely.

I know a great park near my house… if you manage to avoid the doggie nuggets and glass.

I don’t really understand this product… It’s an orthotic-like device designed to take the place of, and eventually eliminate the “need” for orthotics? How does it work? I would have thought that selecting footwear with minimal to no support and spending as much time barefoot as possible would be the answer to this, not another device.

As a longtime wearer of orthotics and owner of dead-flat feet, I’m curious to know how these things work. Have you used them yourself? The website is a little sparse on the details…

I wear lightweight runners and dead-flat feet too. The minimal time I spend barefoot is around the house… not ideal for true foot strengthening.

The girl that bought them showed me how they work.

There are various size spongy-type inserts. You progress to the different sizes over time.

They force the flexion of your foot-arch muscles.

Basically a weight workout for your feet… the same as being barefoot, but with shoes on.

Apparently they hurt to start as the muscles adapt and strain.

Interesting… Have you ordered a pair? I’d be curious to hear your opinion if and when you try them.