Some call them “barefoot shoes” …

… While others prefer the term “minimalist footwear.” As Vibram’s “FiveFingers” kicked off the craze, many barefoot-alternative converts assume “barefoot shoes” must be “those toe shoes” — the eye-catchingly strange foot gloves or shoes that look like feet. But the barefoot/minimalist footwear category is much more than shoes that look like feet.

And ’round here, we sorta like the name “Birthday Shoes“ — not just because of the “birthday suit” pun, but also because it’s a reminder that you were born barefoot, that homo sapiens survived for eons without high-tech sneakers, and shoe design should consider the natural, biologically “nude” state of the foot. If bare feet got humanity through the stone age, do we really need a thickly cushioned pair of Nike’s simply to play outside or go for a run?

What makes a good shoe should be grounded in the foot’s natural, bare state. Thus, a basic understanding of the naked foot is the simplest guide as to what the ideal shoe should be. To wit:

  • shoes should allow your feet to move dynamically as they would barefoot.
  • shoes shouldn’t support our feet — the need for “arch support” for a healthy foot makes little sense given arches are innately strong structures. Supports may actually undermine the natural function of the arches in our feet!
  • shoes should transmit “ground feel” allowing you to feel the terrain even if that means discomfort — in fact, being able to feel the ground may be the most important facet of learning how to walk and run with low impact, thereby reducing the chance of injury.
  • shoes should have little to no impact on how you would move if barefoot — shoes shouldn’t change your natural bio-mechanics (and if you’re accustomed to wearing conventional shoes, note that your barefooted bio-mechanics will need some reworking!).
  • shoes should be as light and keep your feet low to the ground!

This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it hits on some of the most important facets behind what makes a shoe “minimalist” or “barefoot” (“barefoot shoes” may be an unfortunate way to describe barefoot-styled footwear, but it’s probably the most colloquial way to convey the category).

Why are minimalist/barefoot shoes so popular these days? Because these types of shoes let feet be feet, making for healthier and happier human beings. Our kids know what most of us have forgotten—barefooted (or close to it!) movement is fun whether that be running, walking, playing, or just a random trip to the grocery store.

It’s time we abandoned the prevailing paradigms around footwear. We don’t need these overbuilt, overcushioned, arch-supporting monstrosities strapped to our feet to function. Free your feet and rediscover the inner kid in you.