Anatomical shoes can make an important contribution to your overall health, especially your feet and legs, but also your back. So if you regularly experience pain or discomfort in these areas, you should consider buying anatomical shoes.
There are many different types of shoes on the market that are labeled "anatomical", but what exactly does that mean and why should you choose this type of shoe? What alternatives and related types of shoes are out there? And what should you look out for when buying some?
Let's dive into the world of anatomical shoes and find out how they help you get through the day healthy and comfortably.
What are anatomical shoes?
Anatomical shoes are shoes that support and correct the natural anatomy of the foot. They are designed to reduce stress on specific areas of the foot while improving circulation and muscle work.
Typical features of anatomical shoes that distinguish them from conventional shoes are, for example:
- increased cushioning and padding
- an anatomically shaped sole
- flexible, breathable materials
- generous space for toes
Anatomical shoes come in many variants and facets such as orthopedic shoes, toning shoes, work shoes, sports shoes or slides. Each of them has specific features to cater to different needs for foot support.
What are the advantages of anatomical shoes?
Anatomical shoes offer many benefits for the health and comfort of your feet. Some of the main advantages are:
- Improvement of blood circulation: Anatomical shoes support the natural rolling movement of the foot and can hereby improve blood circulation. Good circulation helps against cold feet and supplies the body tissues with vital nutrients.
- Pain relief in feet and legs: A sole that provides arch support and a slight heel lift can help reduce foot and leg pain.
- Reduction of pressure points: Anatomical shoes often feature extra cushioning and padding in the heel and ball areas to reduce excessive stress and pressure.
- Improved Posture: Anatomically shaped shoes support an upright posture, which in turn can reduce back pain and leg pain.
- Dry Feet: Often, anatomical shoes use breathable and flexible materials that help ventilate the foot and wick away moisture.
- Promotes the natural gait: Generous space in the forefoot area allows the toes to move freely with every step without restricting the toe joints.
What is the difference to orthopedic shoes, toning shoes and barefoot shoes?
All of these types of shoes have a similar goal: (foot) health, but there are some differences to consider.
Anatomical shoes are shoes that support and correct the natural anatomy of the foot. They are designed to reduce stress on specific areas of the foot while improving circulation and muscle work.
Orthopedic shoes on the other hand, are shoes that have been specially developed for medical or therapeutic purposes. They are often worn by people with more severe foot problems and certain medical conditions, and their manufacture is done under the supervision of an orthopedist or medical professional. Orthopedic shoes often have special features aimed at treating specific foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, hallux valgus etc.
Toning shoes, also known as "shape-up shoes", are footwear specifically designed to improve muscle toning and fat burning by turning normal walking and standing into an easy and somewhat effective workout. In addition to some anatomical properties, such as cushioning and rolling aids, they also include an uneven sole that challenge balance and coordination and a raised heel that is supposed to strengthen the muscles in the buttocks and legs.
Barefoot shoes are constructed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot as closely as possible while providing some protection from the environment. They typically have a very thin, flexible sole that allows the foot to move and flex as it would when walking or running barefoot. They are often minimalist in design and lack footbed support or cushioning. Examples of barefoot shoes are Vibram FiveFingers, Merrel and Wildling.
Anatomical shoes, on the other hand, are engineered to precisely fit the shape of the foot, providing support and cushioning where the foot needs it most. They often have a sturdier sole than barefoot shoes and can include features such as footbed support, heel counters, and metatarsal pads. The goal of anatomical footwear is to promote healthy foot and leg movement, reduce pain and feelings of confinement, and lower the risk of injury.
What to look out for when buying anatomical shoes?
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Fit: Anatomical footwear must fit well in order to be fully effective. Make sure the shoe is comfortable and not too tight, especially at the toes.
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Support: Anatomical shoes should support your foot where needed. This can be, for example, footbed support, a heel cap or metatarsal padding.
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Material: The material of the shoe should be breathable and soft to keep the foot comfortable and wick moisture away. (And for ethical reasons it shoud be vegan as well)
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Sole: Especially in the case of closed shoes, a flexible sole is also important so that the shoe can follow the natural movements of the foot. Additionally you should look for non-slippery sole material, such as rubber, to avoid slipping, tripping and falling.
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Purpose: Think about what the purpose of the shoe will be mostly (e.g. walking, hiking, running, standing) because depending on how you want to use the shoe, the support and shape of the shoe can be different.
Is it possible to have healthy feet in the long term without anatomical shoes?
Wearing shoes that are not designed with the natural shape and movement of the foot mind, can lead to various problems, such as pain, discomfort and injury. Shoes that are too tight, too narrow or with heels that are too high put unnecessary stress on the feet and regularly cause problems such as hallux valgus, hammer toes and plantar fasciitis.
Depending on your individual foot structure, your activities and the shoes you otherwise wear, you can walk healthily in the long term without anatomical shoes, barefoot shoes and the like. But why risk pain and damage when there are so many foot-friendly and downright cool options out there. Have a look at our Fünve shop for inspiration. There are anatomically shaped slides in cool and fun colors - plus 100% vegan!