Our feet play a vital role in the health and function of the entire body. They connect us to the ground, support our body weight, and absorb the forces generated with every step we take. What happens in our feet directly affects the rest of the body, including the knees, pelvis, spine, and neck.
The footwear we wear has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. That is why, at Proalp, we are committed to creating shoes that support natural movement and contribute positively to long-term foot health and overall body function.
What makes a healthy shoe?
For shoes to support natural foot function, they should be slightly larger than the feet and offer the following characteristics:
Spacious toe box
Our toes are designed to move while we walk. The shoe should follow the natural shape of the foot, with the line along the big toe straight or even flaring outward, preventing the big toe from being pushed towards the other toes.
It is not enough for a shoe to be wide only at the hallux joint. The toes themselves definitely need sufficient space to spread naturally and move freely, helping to maintain balance, stability, and healthy foot function.
Proper shoe length
Shoes that are too short compress the toe joints and restrict the natural movement of the foot. Adequate length allows the forefoot to bear weight correctly and enables the foot to transfer forces efficiently during walking.
Wide, stable soles
A sole should be wide enough to accommodate the full width of the foot. Properly designed soles allow the entire foot to make stable contact with the ground without restriction, improving balance and comfort while walking.
About the sole
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No heel elevation
Ideally, the heel should not be raised above the toes, or only minimally so.
When the heel sits higher than the forefoot, more pressure is placed on the front of the foot. This alters the natural alignment of the joints throughout the body and changes posture in ways that differ from how the human body evolved to move.
Humans evolved walking barefoot, and even centuries of wearing heeled footwear have not changed the fundamental structure and function of our feet and bodies.
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Thin soles improve ground feel
The thinner the sole, the more clearly we can feel the surface beneath our feet.
The soles of our feet contain thousands of nerve endings that provide valuable sensory information about the ground. For our ancestors, this sensory feedback was essential for moving safely across varied terrain. Although modern environments are often paved and flat, our feet remain designed to interact with uneven natural surfaces.
By allowing the feet to sense the ground more effectively, thin and flexible soles help support natural movement patterns, balance, coordination, and overall foot health.
