To put it simply… “natural” or “barefoot” footwear are shoes that allow the foot to function as a foot!

Natural and barefoot footwear:

• Is wide at the parts it needs to be, usually around the midfoot and forefoot
• Doesn’t taper at the toe and squish your toes – they pass the shoe liner test!
• Are flexible and won’t compromise the foot’s ability to move and function as it was designed
• Don’t have a high heel drop, which mimics how our foot should normally function without shoes and as naturally as possible
• Can make a big difference to your pain, function and performance

How many of your shoes fit this criteria?

The Shoe Liner Test. Click here to see Tom testing his shoe liner. 

Shoes with a greater heel to toe drop angle cause more pressure on the ball of the foot. 

We stock the following brands at GV Sportscare:

Vivobarefoot Shoes 

• Minimalist design with a very thin and flexible sole – these are the most minimal design we stock here at GV Sportscare. They are designed this way to mimic the sensation of being barefoot, but still offering the foot some protection.
• Most Vivobarefoot shoes are made from eco-friendly and even recycled materials, which is better for our environment!
• Big range of footwear including casual, running, gym and hiking shoes.
• These are the shoe of choice for Ryan, our Shepparton Podiatrist, for every day wear, road running and trail running (after a solid transition period from conventional footwear!). Shepparton Podiatrist Tom and Physiotherapist Emily wear Vivobarefoot shoes as their day to day shoe of choice!

Topo Athletic Run and Trail Shoes

• A versatile range of shoes, which range from 0mm (zero drop) to 5mm heel to toe drop, and have options for walking, gym, running and hiking.
• We find Topo shoes ideal for a slower transition into a flatter shoe. This also makes them a good option for runners who want to transition from a shoe with a higher heel to toe drop and into flatter and more natural shaped footwear (to avoid niggles as the foot adapts!)
• Topo shoes have varying levels of support – some are flexible whereas others are more supportive. This is ideal as our clients can meet their comfort levels with desired flexibility and also strengthen their feet along the way without getting sore.

Altra Running Run and Trail Shoes

• Another versatile range of natural footwear for walking, gym, running and hiking.
• Similar to our Topo range however most Altra shoes have a 0mm heel to toe drop (zero drop), but in comparison they offer more supportive options meaning they are less minimal or “barefoot” than some of our Topo or Vivobarefoot shoes.
• We stock an Altra shoe that offered the widest fit in the midfoot that we could find, which suits people that need the space and find it difficult to find wide shoes!
• The Altra Lone Peak shoe is Shepparton Podiatrist and Director Tom‘s shoe of choice for trail running! Click here to see them in action.

True Linkswear Golf Shoes

• These are the widest golf shoe we could find on the market. Don’t be fooled by the pointed toe – these actually do pass the shoe liner test (for most people).
• These aren’t zero drop and have a bit more support, so they are suitable for people who have foot injuries or might struggle in barefoot shoes.
• A truly waterproof design so no wet feet on the golf course!
• Tried and tested by our Shepparton Podiatrist and Director Tom, who you’ll no doubt find on the golf course on a Saturday morning!

Injinji Toe Socks 

• Our go-to brand for toe socks.
• Why we love toe socks:
  • Allows for full spread of our toes so that we can use our whole foot for movement, unlike regular socks that compress our toes together! Get the most out of your barefoot or natural footwear by pairing them with toe socks.
  • The fabric creates a barrier between toes so they are protected against blisters, as there is less skin on skin friction and moisture is better absorbed between toes.
  • Let’s us pair socks with toe spacers so you don’t have to have cold toes while wearing toe spreaders around the house. Never heard of a toe spacer? Read on below!

Correct Toe Toe Spacers

• Toe spacers are an orthotic device designed to fit between your toes to help improve alignment of the foot bones back to their natural shape.
• If used progressively and consistently (i.e. not too much too soon) they can help to align the toes and strengthen the muscles connected to them, restoring your foot’s natural position and function. They can also help to improve your balance and coordination.
• Toe spacers can also be worn during your exercise routine to increase foot muscle activation – whether that be a strength, Pilates or yoga routine! Our podiatrists commonly pair these with their clients strength programs as part of their rehabilitation plan. They are not suited to everyone right away, but in time, most people can take advantage of these gadgets.
• They can also be used to manage bunions or toe clawing issues, as well as to decompress structures in the middle of the foot, such as an inflamed bursa or a neuroma.  

Some reasons we might transition a client to natural footwear:

• We use natural footwear for many reasons! Including…
• Management of musculoskeletal issues of the forefoot due to narrow footwear e.g. bunions, neuromas, as well as non-musculoskeletal issues such as ingrown toenails, callouses and so forth. They can also help to improve alignment at the hip and knees which can be important in managing other injuries!
• Management of blisters when walking or running in conventional shoes.
• Enhanced performance – simply allowing the foot to behave like a foot (and letting our foot muscles become strong) can play a big role in your performance!
• As a way to help someone in their transition from having their feet always in shoes to being able to tolerate being barefoot. Enjoy the freedom of being able to walk barefoot on the beach again 🙂

Where do I start?

You will need time to transition from conventional footwear to natural footwear, particularly when choosing a shoe that has a zero heel drop.

If you are new to natural or barefoot footwear, or want to start running in barefoot shoes, we recommend you book an appointment with our Shepparton podiatrists Tom or Ryan to discuss a plan to transition to barefoot or natural shoes.

Your foot will need time to adapt!

Otherwise, call reception on 03 5897 7044 to arrange a free shoe fitting.

Click here to see Podiatrists Tom and Ryan and Practice Manager Celeste compete in the Wandi Cross Trail Run in their natural footwear, and here to see Podiatrists Tom and Ryan compete in the Rainbow Beach Trail Festival (where Ryan came in 2nd place!) in the race in their natural footwear.

– Emily Wiedemann
Physiotherapist Shepparton
GV Sportscare

Have you read our new book while you’re in the waiting room?

We are excited to stock The Diabetes Plan at GV Sportscare, written by Dr Peter Brukner.

Peter Brukner is a leading sports medicine physician and founder of Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre. After being diagnosed with pre-diabetes at age 60 despite following usual dietary advice we are all familiar with, Peter did a deep dive into the research around diabetes and our dietary guidelines.

Long story short, Peter reversed his pre-diabetes with a low carb high fat diet approach (the opposite to conventional guidelines!), lost weight and improved his overall health.

This book joins our book collection alongside A Fat Lot of Good also by Dr Peter Brukner, which talks more about the low carb high fat diet approach in relation to other chronic illnesses like obesity, cardiovascular disease, PCOS/fertility issues (in addition to diabetes) as well as for fuelling sports performance and breastfeeding. Both are equally good reads and are available to purchase for $40 (The Diabetes Plan) and $34.99 (A Fat Lot of Good).

Want more info? Check out our Low Carb High Fat Library where we have compiled a list of resources, or chat to our Physiotherapists and Podiatrists about it.

#sheppartonphysio #sheppartonpodiatry #gvsportscare #shepparton #sheppartonhealthcare #diabetes #lchf #diet #lowcarb

– Emily Wiedemann
Physiotherapist
GV Sportscare