You’re Ruining Your Feet

[@momocapicino]

Hey man I just to let you know I’m a med student and I did a presentation for my attending physician about shoes, osteoarthritis, bunions, and gait mechanics. The inspiration was you! Keep it up!

[@JakeLeary]

Whoa, that’s awesome!

[@giovannitertulli]

This is THE 'feet' video I've been looking for to share to all people I care about. Nobody seem to understand how important foot care is, and nobody wants to trade fancy shoes to gain some health back. Thanks for this, I have a reference link to send to make people understand. Amazing work, I am subscribed!

[@Emanuele_Polisena]

I just can't wear narrow shoes. They cause me devastating discomfort. No matter where I go my toes must be wide and comfy, otherwise I am not even taking a step outside

[@giovannitertulli]

@@Emanuele_Polisena Same here. I transitioned to barefoot shoes a few years ago, and I can't imagine how I could ever wear a 'traditional' shoe ever again

[@Emanuele_Polisena]

@@terreausore2435 I probably never talked about the shoes I like to wear outside of this discussion, nor did the people who agreed with me I think, but at the same time I get your point: it can be a bit frustrating when people base their entire personality on something totally irrelevant to you and act like you agreeing with whatever their purely personal preferences are is mandatory because it's just "better" and it "makes more sense". So, in this particular case, I think you are free to express your thoughts without getting judged, disliked, ostracized...

[@TheAmyrlinSeat]

@@Emanuele_Polisena I deal with people basing their entire personality on their shoes and then getting dissapointed when I don't care.

[@njux1871]

​@@giovannitertulli Some shoes accommodate that. That's why I buy my shoes either at a specialised shop or at Birkenstock. AND I have barefoot shoes, I just find regular ergonomic shoes the better choice for me if I have to walk a while on this artifically even environments called "streets". :)

[@ImortalZeus13]

As a martial arts instructor who spends most of his day barefoot while exercising, I wear open toed shoes on the daily and I began to feel crazy about how much I hated putting on “real shoes” until I purposefully went out of my way to buy “extra wide” shoes despite not actually having abnormally wide feet. This video made me feel less crazy

[@TayWoode]

I’ve got a friend who’s a lifeguard and says the same thing. I think guys who are barefoot a lot like swimmers surfers etc alway seem to have nice strong looking feet coz they’re not squashed into bad fitting shoes

[@sleepyheadsarah]

My cousins and I taught ourselves to hold pencils with our toes and write our names. I think that experience as a kid really reinforced for me that feet are not just walking stumps, but much more like hands.

[@yaowang7144]

If you're a monkey, yes :)

[@theprodigalson4003]

Yeah. You would be like “wait a minute those shoes are way too tight” if u had had that experience. Me on the other hand, my right foot seems to have long lasting effects from wearing shoes. It feels as if part of it never developed feeling like my other foot

[@BillBoard.]

you literally evolved from monkeys, stop questioning your existence...oh wait, its not your fault sorry!

[@Еремен]

Apparently part of the brain that's responsible for toes are of the same volume as the part that's responsible for our hands. Meaning, we are probably also more stupid in the "evil shoes" aka non barefoot

[@tamerebel]

Just a correction, historical corsets were worn by all parts of female (working) society and weren't worn as tightly as shown in historical media nowadays and therefore not as unhealthy as portrayed. Having tan skin nowadays is also a class marker and shows that you're rich and can go on holidays and isn't very healthy either. We should appreciate our natural skin colour by protecting ourselves from the sun instead of trying to be overly tanned or pale. I'm trying to find better shoes now, thanks for the historical facts and suggestions!

[@dannahbanana11235]

Came here to say that. I remember in our actual textbooks as late as the early 2000s we had those Victorian illustrations meant to mock vain women being presented as real medical diagrams. How pathetic. I wear a corset from time to time and have never had an issue.

[@rageonyx]

Did you just say having tan skin isn't healthy? LOL. Maybe if you're ginger...

[@Antonov-225]

​@@rageonyx going out into the sun for long period increases the chance for skin cancer, it also makes your skin age faster

[@rageonyx]

@@Antonov-225 That is a lie. It is SUNSCREEN that causes skin cancer. And terrible modern products that make your skin age faster. Natural healthy sunlight is good for you and keeps you healthy and sleeping properly. Unless you're intentionally laying out there burning yourself to a crisp, there is no need to worry about the sun.

[@SysterYster]

I think what you meant to say isn't that tanned skin is bad, but that sunning excessively is bad. Simply being outdoors and getting tanned isn't bad, it's actually what we're "designed" for and "protecting" ourselves aginst the sun too much can lead to health concerns. The sun isn't dangerous if we're out very much (as in, daily outdoors work, or movement). The danger lies in sitting indoors most of the year and then laying flat on the beach/lawn in the summer and burning yourself.

[@SarcastSempervirens]

Last winter I took a third of my paycheck, went to a shoemaker and ordered custom made leather boots, made exactly for my wide, normal-toed feet. He said they're gonna look horrible, I said I want them to make people vomit how ugly, yet comfortable they'll be. He made a compromise, played with the toebox design a bit and made me something that's 95% classic boot yet my entire foot can stand on the insole with toes naturally apart.

[@Mopsie]

That’s awesome! Did you notice any improvements to the rest of your body while walking with these custom boots?

[@SarcastSempervirens]

@@Mopsie Actually, yes I did. I used to wear classic Timberlands, the yellow boot. They're comfortable if you want cushioning and warmth, but they're really narrow, the middle of my foot always felt like it was in a vise, like, the bone hurts, my toes were crumpled together. In these, my legs relaxed, I noticed my entire legs aren't stiff and tense anymore, the pain at the sole made me unconsciously tighten up and try to walk differently in order to aleviate the discomfort. I can now walk with the full pressure on the entire sole, flex my foot when doing a step.. My ischiatic pain went away in probably 2 weeks, on the back side of my left knee. And the shoes cost me $350. Full leather, over the ankle, half-brogue, hand-made, Vibram sole. They'll probably last forever.

[@TheVeganFinalBoss]

mate theres a dead animals skin on your shoes, what do you think the cows name was or did it not have one? would you wear dog leather?

[@SweetTea-Stephens]

@@SarcastSempervirensthat sounds amazing. I might have to look into something like that for my husband. His feet are jacked squished together. Including his pinky toe his brother broke on purpose when he was little (his brother is like 12 years older than him) but overtime his shoes has squished his toes so much inward that that pinky toe never touches the ground AND lays more on top of the 4th toe too. His pinky on the other foot does the same thing but can actually touch the floor tho if he works at it with his shoes off. But natural position is pushed up onto the 4th toe. And he needs boots for his job. I wonder if they could still put a metal plate on top of the toes for protection?

[@prezlamen7906]

​@@TheVeganFinalBossSilence

[@RoadkillBC]

I started wearing Xero and Altra shoes a year ago, and as my feet/toes gradually widened out all my “normal” shoes became so uncomfortable that I eventually ditched them. I didn’t expect such a significant change at age 59, but now I have better balance and my feet are much happier. Great video, Jake, and thanks for all the links to more shoe brands that I never knew existed!

[@sidilicious11]

Love. Xerox’s. I have several of their styles.

[@MaidenBklyn]

I am 58 and after seeing four different podiatrists in NYC, was told that the only solution for a tailor’s bunion is surgery as it irreversible. It seems like there is anecdotal evidence that this is not necessarily the case. Anyway, glad to hear that a change of footwear has helped and that your toes have widened.

[@Turbo6019]

Just tried the Altea Torin 7 and that is my new favorite shoe….😊

[@ANiCKiN]

Just read your comment, searched on Amazon and found both Xero and Altra with hundreds of positive reviews. But i never heard of these brands before. Wish they were less sporty and more casual with some leather on top. :P Thanks for your comment.

[@SaltySeabug]

I got xeros for trail running and they are incredible

[@FizzyMcPhysics]

I've been furious about the stupid shape of shoes my entire life. Football boots being the worst offenders! I complained a lot about my little toe being squashed when trying on shoes as a kid, so my mum bought me the widest shoes she could find. I also wore sandals a lot, which tend to be wider for some reason. I think is big part of why Crocs are popular is because of the wide toe box, and the reason everyone said they were hideous when they came out!

[@Hollylivengood]

I live in Tennessee, where you can actually find dress flip flops. In the middle of winter, quite a few people will still wear sandals. This is so validating.

[@maadhav_]

football boots fr bruv. its absolutely murder for your feet and there are barely any wide options as per i've seen. we just have to soldier it out

[@tylerwhitney3443]

I'm pretty sure soccer shoes gave me plantar fascitis when I was 10. Had to quit sports for a few years

[@blueberry766]

​@@maadhav_ No, make change

[@pixelpoppyproductions]

I might get hate for this, but, Crocs are actually pretty good. They’re actually shaped like feet, for one. They do have a lot of padding, so not exactly minimalist, but they’re great for the city and don’t smash your toes together. The “ugly” shape is probably why people think they’re stupid. Discovering them was like a revelation, I have a foot injury from decades ago and probably half the time I was in a lot of pain when walking. Now my foot might be sore once or twice a year, and it’s mild. Sometimes I have to wear normal shoes, and the discomfort is very noticeable. I always thought I just had wide feet and that having my toes completely smushed together was normal, but it turns out that modern shoes are mostly awful.

[@theyxaj]

Toe-squishing is something I noticed after a year and a half of lockdown started easing. I hadn't worn shoes very often during that time, and especially not close-toed shoes. When I did wear my (previously comfy) tennis shoes then, my poor pinky toe was all squished and my whole foot didn't really feel good after walking. Weird thing is, I just thought "ugh, I'll have to get used to shoes again" rather than "why are shoes built to make my foot uncomfy"

[@GeorgeDCowley]

I had the same thing, except I identified it was a problem with the shoe size (just not exactly what).

[@jammer7vvvq691]

I feel this is one of the weirdest social standard we have to let go of; wearing narrow toed shoes and shoes all the time. I realized when hearing about people who never wear shoes that their opinion on other subjects is probably ignored. Wearing shoes is a societal expectation that when not met makes people respect you less, for pretty much no reason at all. It’s just to fit in.

[@runswithraptors]

Yup that's most things in society

[@floof6896]

i honestly wanna go barefoot after watching this video. but my school definitely won't like that.

[@turolretar]

Isn’t it ironic - we wear shoes that our feet don’t fit in properly to fit in the society. Gosh, I’m so smart, I better write that down.

[@waterbottles393]

I want to wear shoes. If I don't I'll rip my feet up or step on used needles or something

[@troughy3288]

@@turolretar write that down

[@10Bendog]

For the longest time when drawing characters I found myself struggling to make out the shoes properly. I like using construction lines to draw and whenever I’d get to the shoes of a character, I’d always be stumped on why I made them look so weirdly wide. Eventually I realized that my construction lines were ones that outlined the shape of the foot, and I had never really thought about how real shoes are narrower at the front and squish your toes. I walk barefoot around the house and wear flip flops outside for as long as the weather allows it. I think my feet are generally not too shoe-deformed, and I think because of that I only recently found out how damaging shoes could actually be.

[@HighWireDiver]

Jeans and flip flops are never okay. Shorts and flip flops for as long as the weather allows are for filthy hippies.

[@aljo8200]

​@@HighWireDiver sounds like someome has no taste

[@cooldeer4811]

​@@HighWireDiverdude you clearly never saw people who live near the sea lol they all wear slippers

[@therabbithat]

Flipflops are one of the top causes of falls. Consider sandals with a back, especially as you get older, but anyone can get unlucky and hit their head on a kerb or similar when they fall

[@shanellemurrey9300]

Yeah, my feet probably aren’t too deformed from shoes either lol because I’m also barefoot a lot of the time unless we go out somewhere. Although, where I live I think a lot of us take our shoes off indoors anyway

[@rustyhowe3907]

I (female) was always taught that having wide toes was ugly and that we'd only have pretty feet if they were tapered inward at the toes and now after this it really does resemble the old Chinese footbinding in a lesser torturous way. Almost the day I left high school my largest two toes began to splay outwards due to not wearing shoes all day long, but the smallest two are twisted and hunched inwards, I also have less pain in my feet though get more torment for being 'ugly', 'clutzy' and 'man-footed'.

[@taleseylad1249]

my mom tells me to wear shoes because my toes will spread and I'll no longer fit my foot in a shoe. . . little does she know that it is the reason I'm going barefoot, or wearing shoes with foot shaped toe boxes

[@rustyhowe3907]

@@taleseylad1249 There is something really wrong with our society when kids are expected to get deformed for fashion.

[@taleseylad1249]

@@rustyhowe3907 thankfully I only have a small pinky bunion, and had stiff toes. 2 months in and I have developed arches. My toes have a weak grip but make it easier for me to cling to a tree

[@rustyhowe3907]

@@taleseylad1249 Oh wow that's really good improvement, glad to hear you're doing well!👍

[@Obi_Wanwheel]

I’ve been on this idea for a while because of my own common sense. I’ve never seen anything put together so well, with references, explaining it. Definitely sharing this. Bravo Professor.

[@JakeLeary]

Great to hear, thanks! What shoes do you wear for Onewheeling?

[@Obi_Wanwheel]

@@JakeLeary Vans wide slip ons for street and I prefer Vans high tops for extra protection. But both with flat soles. Always flat soles. Same for my kids. I never gave thought to the “point” of the shoe though. Very interesting.

[@queenelizabeth4242]

I love my toe spacer socks

[@ibrahimfire8177]

@@queenelizabeth4242what socks?

[@exurii5844]

​@ibrahimfire8177 you can get toe socks which are kind of just like gloves for your feet. Much better for ventilation and circulation.

[@mrahim1342]

I feel so validated watching this because I’ve always preferred being barefoot over wearing shoes.

[@Lumberjack_king]

Same

[@RegalRadish]

Same

[@Artorias1234]

Same, the light shines in between my toes

[@SergioLeonardoCornejo]

Same. The shape of shoes always made me uncomfortable.

[@danielgiselde5509]

You are from america, aren't you?

[@PahaLukki]

I skipped sneakers as a teenager due to athlete's foot (nail-skin infection). Turns out sneakers compact the toes too much. So I opted for wide footed Finnish safety boots. I wore those boots for over 5 years everywhere: school, work, funerals, restaurants, sailing, mushroom hunting etc.. because they were essentially clean black "combat boots" with a wide space for toes so they wouldn't chafe the toenail to the edges, and additionally they were warm, water proof and durable.

[@ravnhaveland9594]

Any recommendations for where to get a pair?

[@Pellagrah]

Never been able to find combat/work boots with a decent toebox aside from Mini-Mil, Danner Tachyon, etc. I usually have to go up a few sizes to prevent toe constriction. Care to share what boots these were?

[@PahaLukki]

@@Pellagrah they were a wide feet (leveä lesti) version of Sievi boots. They discontinued the model I most like, but the foot measurements they use are still the same. So with them I can use size 43, but for foreign shoes I typically take 44. The models have "XL" in title which are wider. I don't know if these are available internationally. But other workwear might have similar. Though I have never found one as comfortable.

[@ChorizoFungis]

@@PahaLukkibrody has no swag 🤣

[@worldwidefunnyguy]

i once wore combat boots to school and almost fell over the stairs lol

[@Avendesora]

Switching to barefoot shoes gave me my life back. I'd been suffering from debilitating pain for years and years, and every podiatrist I saw either told me to buy different inserts until I found one that worked, or told me I needed expensive orthotics and specially supportive shoes. The last podiatrist I saw was the first one to mention I have naturally low arches, and that was the catalyst for me figuring it out for them. It is infuriating to know I suffered so long when the solution was so obvious and so *cheap*

[@MartinLeong25]

the cost is literally free dont wear shoes

[@Avendesora]

@@MartinLeong25 it would cost me my job, which I sadly can't afford without a second job to support it :(

[@Unpredictable21-]

​@@MartinLeong25You must not work then.

[@lululx3760]

I do have low arches too and i do overpronate a lot which starts to worry me, because i like to run and lift a lot. Has going with minimalist/barefoot shoes helped you with your arch? And how did you ease into it? I feel like going 0 to 100 with minimalist shoes, especially with running, is a recipe for disaster.

[@Avendesora]

@@lululx3760 Definitely don't go from 0 to 100 for running lol. I managed to cause myself some pain by walking my mom's dogs too far when I first got them. It has helped my arches, and my toes are getting their shape and spacing back very nicely. I didn't really ease into it because of my particular situation, though. The pain I had from wearing regular shoes was unbearable at times, so it just swapped them out right away and never looked back.

[@Tsuchimursu]

Throughout my childhood I held my stubborn stance and refused to use the shoes too small that mom bought me until she gave up and let me pick the size "too big". Her definition of "right size" made my toes squeeze together and hurt. I have an especially wide foot so usually I get several centimeters of empty space at the tip - better than pained toes when wide shoes cannot be found.

[@rac1equalsbestgame853]

My mom often overstimated the size of my feet so I got shoes that were too big for me and it's prolly why my feet are relatively healthy to the point I even "walk wrong", primarily with my toes and knees in a "gallop", in spite of almost not exercising through my entire life (depression) I also did not wear shoes outside of school and going out and more often than not they were sandals The pinky toe is pretty affected and my big toe a bit squished in but they are not fully shoe shaped

[@Emppu_T.]

Since forever it was almost mandatory to get the first shoes of a child "sturdy" but in actuality they should allow as much movement as possible

[@Rubiecat]

same I've always worn one size above what I was told I should wear, everytime I tried the supposedly right size my feet felt like they were in a prison of their own

[@redpandaleader]

same it's expected for woman's shoe be narrower for some reasons, and I just chose to wear croc all the time. they call it man-like. I dont care my feet are happy so im happy

[@taleseylad1249]

@@rac1equalsbestgame853 same. I have a mini tailor's bunion but my feet weren't that squished. only issue is that it was hard to play sports because it felt like my shoe would fall off

[@winnieliu7833]

This is...one of the most enlightening videos I've ever seen in my life. As a young Chinese woman, I've always been self-conscious about my wide feet and in an effort to appear more "pretty and dainty" as you say, jammed my feet into uncomfortably narrow, stiff-as-a-brick thick soled shoes for too long. I just had major knee surgery this past spring to correct a genetic issue and have been going to physical therapy 3x a week since. This has opened my eyes so much and I can't wait to try barefoot shoes to not only support my surgery recovery, but support my feet health in the long-term. Bravo on the great work and thank you for spreading the word!

[@420Gold]

Don’t be self conscious about your feet! “Small dainty” shoes don’t look any better! Your natural feet will be most beautiful on your natural body!

[@Apostate_ofmind]

keep us informed! would love to hear about the improvements

[@skittlezthatkittlez]

right..?! i have a severe bunion thats gotten worse as i became and adult. i've been skating since i was a little kid, but i continued wearing skate shoes after i stopped skating as much due to a bunch of skating injuries. i've been told most of my life that the bunion thing was genetic because my aunt had them really bad to the point that it required surgery...but i always had this hunch that it had less to do with genetics and more to do with the insanely restrictive tight shoes that i was forced to wear throughout childhood. i played hockey when i was really young and one of my defining memories of the sport was how painful it was having the skates double laced so tight to the point i was on the verge of tears. in retrospect, it sort of makes sense why i quit the sport. i was told i was being a baby and to suck it up. it makese sense that i kept wearing skate shoes after i slowed down with the skating, theres just so much more space for the feet to hang breathe in those types of shoes. i'm going to walk around barefoot more and do more research before i get surgery to deal with the bunion.

[@Apostate_ofmind]

@@skittlezthatkittlez godspeed and good luck 🫡

[@mitkoogrozev]

Awesome. Just be careful with the barefoot shoes. Depending how badly your feet have been deformed and for how long , it might feel painful to walk with barefoot shoes. Some people misinterpret that as the shoes 'not working' and blame any trauma they acquire on them. There's various youtube channels that help out with how to re-learn walking barefoot. And remember that some symptoms might not be only due to foot shape. Joint health is also dependent on not being overweight and being sufficiently fit, and eating healthy food that contain lots of fiber and high on anti-oxidants to keep bodily inflammation low. And in general being informed about scientifically arrived at knowledge and concepts can be helpful in countering traditional values or habits we might have acquired that hurt us.

[@Ariaa76]

One huge tip my father gave me especially for those who have flat feet is, have a tennis ball or something similar under your desk whenever you're home and start playing with it, rolling it and such! it helps so so much you won't believe me until you've tried it!

[@Ghostvix]

Yes or massage balls.

[@MasonH24]

Yeah, my dog isn't going to have that 😂

[@prestige_rusher_3500]

im gonna try it!

[@cajampa]

I believe the reason for flat feet is weak muscles in the foot. I used to have way flatter feet and larger feet. But I started to do lots of various types of balance training. And my feet got way stronger and as the feet muscles got larger and stronger my feet got smaller in length, because the flatness in the arc disappeared and the foot got back that arc. And I see that in people who have flat feet, their feets look very week and with under developed muscles. I also do that exercise with a ball where you try to almost grab it. But if find a tennis ball is way to weak, so I use various massage balls instead.

[@Ariaa76]

@@cajampa yesss you're absolutely right! basically everything you said has been my own experience and learning as well. What I started with was the tennis ball cuz most have something similar at home, but what I personally use are these pointy spikey massage balls idk what they're called but they're much tougher and the pointy/spikey stuff are even better! the most important thing is that WHEN you realize or learn you have this, unfortunately because of circumstances took me a long time to actually do something about it.

[@christopherpoulsenfernande1624]

Man you saved my life with this video, as soon as I saw it 4 months ago I started my transition to barefoot and I'm feeling better than ever and my back pain keeps on reducing daily.

[@JakeLeary]

Incredible! I’m glad to hear that!

[@mr.duck1246]

I think this problem is even more prevalent for people that wear shoes indoors. I don’t wear barefoot shoes, but because I don’t wear shoes in the house, my big toe is only a couple degrees in from being straight. My toes mostly have a natural splay even though I wear an average shoe when I leave the house

[@JakeLeary]

Could be flexibility too, forgot to mention that in the video but some people are just more flexible and go right back when you bend them with no problems

[@mr.duck1246]

@@JakeLeary that makes sense, as I am very flexible. Didn’t think about that!

[@qwertydavid8070]

I literally just use crocs all the time. I don't care if people say they look ugly, they are the comfiest and most durable footwear out there. Comfort over looks the whole way!!

[@kekchanbiggestfan]

Yeah I wondered that too. I’m not very flexible, but I spend a lot of time indoors and we don’t wear shoes indoors in my country, and I could splay my toes really wide without thinking much about it

[@TheRealVivia]

Who tf wears shoes in the house 😂😂

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

Recently as a hobby I took up making my own boots. All the way from scratch, sewing the upper, attaching the welt, gluing the soles on, etc... I actually added leather to the shoe last to make a wider toe box because all the shoe lasts I could buy were narrow toe. Now the outline of my bare foot perfectly matches the shoe last with a little extra in length for when I squat and my latest pair of work boots fit amazingly with zero foot fatigue at the end of a long day on them. I'm really glad someone is creating awareness of this issue.

[@Whitechai]

That is extremely cool

[@1ndiebird]

that's amazing

[@splitsee2526]

awesome!

[@kamikazer6484]

Send a tutorial pls

[@catpoke9557]

I was told I have man feet once. I honestly take it as a compliment because it shows that my feet haven't been distorted by shoes. My mom also said I always looked like I was wearing clown shoes every time I got shoes that fit, because obviously I need shoes that are wide to fit my feet. I also take that as a compliment. She was always so upset, but the shoes WEREN'T too big, contrary to what she seemed to believe. My feet are actually just that big, because they're wide, because I don't compress them.

[@aarepelaa1142]

Yeah, a bit weird that some parents don't even bother to research to prove themselves wrong instead of just literally going against their kids wellbeing by being pretty damn ignorant. Cool stuff for me though as my mom works on the foot side of medical things and pretty much introduced me to the barefoot shoes.

[@SBerrioww]

I struggle a little with finding shoes too, for the same reason! My feet are wide! Like, almost every shoe box in stores are typical, to thin for me and feel like the sides of my feet are being squished, and then the tip and back are fine.

[@serily4524]

theres no such bs as that shoes are shoes

[@cosmicreef5858]

she needs to think

[@MrZaissi]

some people just have wider feet it might have nothing to do with 'compressing your feet'

[@robinmarks4771]

I've exclusively worn minimalist flip-flops and/or walked barefoot for about 20 years now, and my toes have returned to their natural splayed orientation. When I see the feet of folks who've worn sneakers or other oppressive footwear their whole lives, with their big toes pointing inward and all the toe spacing looking super squished, it honestly disturbs me. Also, I LOVE that you called them "foot prisons". This is exactly the term I've used to describe modern civilized footwear for years now.

[@jessy1982]

How have you gotten around work and other areas where closed shoes are 'necessary'?

[@robinmarks4771]

@@jessy1982 I've always worked for myself/from home, so work footwear has never been an issue for me in my particular life. Sitting here working barefoot atm, lol. I live a very unconventional life, though, so I'm sure circumstances are different for other people.

[@jessy1982]

@@robinmarks4771 That's cool, im happy for you.

[@robinmarks4771]

@@jessy1982 Thank you! :)

[@ayalibra]

Moving from the city to the woods in the country has taught me to appreciate and connect with the Earth. I spend most of my time if not working barefooted in the grass and sand. Grounding is so amazing and has many health benefits..I hate to wear shoes

[@hydregyoutube7630]

Ever since I was a little kid I was berated by various shop keeps for wearing wide shoes, with their argument being I won't be able to fit high heels as and adult. As a middle-aged woman I never ended up giving a flying hyuck about high heels, but I've noticed it's getting progressively harder to get wider shoes made for women. I have to resort to buying shoes meant for teenage boys, or proffessionals, like nurses. Aside from getting narrower, the shoes are getting flatter too, I have a quite high arch in my feet and some sneakers and winter shoes just won't fit, because they're squeezing the top of my feet, cutting out circulation to my toes. At least sports and trekking shoes are all still pretty comfortable, but casual sneakers and slip-ons are getting progressively worse. Not to mention regular flip-flops, they're getting flatter and flatter soles, it's like walking in two planks of wood.

[@cyclesofstrength]

I've noticed shoes getting narrower too. Shoe shopping is no longer a habit for me, mostly because they all suck.

[@Nyorane]

"Like walking on two planks of wood", you've perfectly described my flip flops 😓 I knew something had to be off with these things, flip flops didn't feel like this when I was a kid

[@alexanderchenf1]

Just buy sneakers

[@Rubiecat]

@@cyclesofstrength can confirm ive had the same experience ! shoes for women especially suck. I tend to look for minimalist unisex shoes these days, and thanks to this video I will try barefoot shoes now

[@mmmmmmok5292]

isnt a flat sole good tho (talking about flip flops)

[@harvestarr4420]

it’s kind of crazy that youtube recommended this video just after i started considering going barefoot more often, due to a worsening bunion on my right big toe. it is making it very painful to wear shoes, even ones with wide toe boxes such as crocs, but being barefoot gives me much needed relief. i am already barefoot quite often due to the fact that i work in martial arts (karate instructor), but i never realized just how bad my shoes are for my feet, and how lucky i am to be able to participate in a sport that allows my feet to be the way they want and need to be. very grateful you made this informative video :)

[@Okayeg.]

they track your searches even if your in incognito mode because they can track what your typing in your keyboard

[@Jon14141]

Nice

[@notisac3149]

I highly recommend trying out toe spacers and "barefoot" shoes. There are plenty of barefoot shoes that look really good/normal or have plenty of function. Toe spacers may be painful at first but it may be worth it.

[@Eaglemadhatter]

Google, alphabet has us all chipped already. Embrace it. 😊

[@EggBastion]

@okayeg11 they track your searches --even if your in incognito mode-- _regardless your digital hygiene_ because they make 'blank profiles' for 'anonymous actions' from 'anonymous devices' and as soon as those 'blanks' start looking like your activity (because they absolutely will) then it doesn't matter. Even if those 'blanks' are never _ever_ flagged with your name the data will accrue and translate answers out of it. Maybe you're old, lonely, about to get sick, fed up with your job, ahve a bit of spare cash _Anything_ an advertiser, insurance broker, loss adjuster or even racketeer might have wild dreams about learning. Anything at all. “ I'll be reading through your lives and experiences to get at that "reality" and use it for my work. ” -Rohan Kishibe, Chapter 319

[@MacAlmighty]

I've always suspected this from how uncomfortable I've felt in typical narrow shoes, feels great being validated with a well put together video

[@everrettbreezewood3665]

Same. I hated shoes as a kid; even in my 20s removing them is the first thing I do when I get home. My shoes always fall apart quickly, and I am the only member of my family who isn't developing bunyans. Still, curling toes seemed so wrong, like my shoes were prompting me into something unnatural. I never connected the dots as to why the shoes were made like that.

[@mattgib711]

Got my first pair of minimal shoes years ago and it's such a nice difference. I've even seen whitin now has a model that looks like vans, really nice, casual, minimal looking shoe. And they really aren't that pricey.

[@TheRenofox]

As a child I was so horrified by my dad's feet, that I've always bought the roomiest shoes possible. It's ridiculous how hard it is to find shoes with room for toes, even in sizes too big in all the other dimensions.

[@gaiajones4963]

As a dancer I grew up in shoes that had narrow toe boxes. Especially in Pointe shoes I took a break from all dancing for four years. Spend a lot of time outside walking in my first pair of barefoot shoes. I went back to Dance last semester to find I had immense balance, a lot more flexibility, and I had overcome a lot of issues that I had been experiencing through my feet, knees, and hips. Thank you for spreading this information.

[@Name..........]

He's definitely exaggerating though, most people wearing modern running shoes which are made to be wider aren't going to be having this issue.

[@zerofallen059]

​@@Name..........go ahead and keep thinking that

[@ninjaydes]

Are you going back to pointe or just dance in general?

[@coolnamedude7559]

Oh hey, I saw this comment right as I was thinking of my friend who does ballet. If you're comfortable sharing, I was wondering what you do to help avoid these issues now that you're dancing again?

[@gaiajones4963]

@@coolnamedude7559 I’m going back to pointe shoes. They have a lot of new technology. integrating, toe spacers, similar to the ones seen in the video along with a more variety of sizes to suit different foot shapes. Strengthening exercises are also very important. Lots of people use Thera bands, but I prefer using my body weight to strengthen them as I balance doing exercises.

[@yetanotherfnfplayer208]

i've been using shoes my entire life because i've developed an extreme horror for walking barefoot, but this video has opened my eyes. I took off my shoes and saw how inclined it was and i hate it because of how true everything you say is. I'll likely use sandals from now on

[@missifffo3049]

you could also use crocs

[@Dad-lu1oi]

I wear only barefoot shoes sandals or walk barefoot with preference to walk barefoot

[@phoenixc7245]

​@missifffo3049 crocs don't provide much protection and can actually worsen conditions such as athletes foot

[@Niwan8]

I would really recommend walking barefoot at home without socks (if you do wear socks, make sure they stretch easily and dont keep your toes together)

[@C0astinG4mer]

@@Niwan8idk I’ve always been a germaphobe and my brain just won’t let me. I just use flip flops my brain still thinks it’s disgusting

[@TheFloatLife]

We out here commenting for that algorithm!

[@quinnfoster1234]

Alllllllllll

[@TheBoogBus]

We out here riding onewheel in barefoot shoes

[@devinsmith110]

Ohh yeah brotha we riding one ones no shoes

[@joemorris6]

So true

[@jack_irl]

Ye boi

[@Cupcake_Murder]

During the pandemic my feet straightened alot. I wore mostly flip flops instead of shoes because I was working from home. Now that we've been back at office and started wearing shoes daily, i see the change in my big toe. I always very self-conscious about the toes and never wore sandals outside. Now I know why. I also understand why Camper shoes (Although very expensive) feel so nice to wear.

[@au1317]

For about 10 months in my teens I didn't wear shoes once. I would wear moccasins to school but would take them off whenever possible. I even had a few teachers that let me go without them. I eventually went back to wearing shoes from social pressure. Thank you for inspiring me to give it another shot all these years later

[@distorteduzi]

That thumbnail is cursed

[@dadmitri4259]

This is so eye opening. I feel like this helps me explain why I never liked getting new shoes. Either my toes felt cramped, or it slipped off my heel if I tried to go bigger.

[@ErdemtugsC]

I always wore sandals when possible

[@Iamnottheplatypus]

Me too.

[@truthseeker8273]

Every single point you make makes so much sense. I remember someone saying how we as a society developed technologically so much, yet at the same time we produce shoes that are uncomfortable and designed without our health in mind, basically torturing our feet.

[@Pbcvl]

our feet will adapt

[@kermit8173]

Read Ted Kaczynski's book Technological Slavery, you will feel better.

[@fart63]

@@Pbcvlclearly not, with half our elderly having severe bunions lmao

[@HYDROCARBON_XD]

I mean 60% of the things we do this era are unhealthy for our body,starting by eating too much carbohydrates and fat.

[@taleseylad1249]

@@Pbcvl key words "too much"

[@GooseGoose-rg4vs]

As someone who lives in an inland part of Australia, we are made to wear closed-in shoes at schools, and strongly expected to wear ‘normal’ shoes in public spaces. Anytime I got to visit coastal cities I was so much more comfortable because I could go barefoot most places with no real scrutiny, and walking felt so much more normal, ironically. I plan to spread this to others, I know people with bunions who are in so much pain all the time who probably have no idea these better shoes even exist.

[@hockysa]

omg this makes so much sense now. As a kid I didn't like the look of pointy shoes, mostly wearing sandals or barefoot. My uncle also taught me to spread my toes out when kicking. I struggle with shoes and always thought my wide feet was the problem but this gives a different explanation.

[@DesertSessions93]

Why would you blame your foot for the shoes fitment issue? :)

[@BigmanDogs]

This could explain why I struggle so much finding shoes that fit. My feet are super wide, and I spent most of my time barefoot as a kid. And then in my teenage years I was a nerd staying home playing computer games 😂

[@adilabadri1608]

OMG I truly needed this I’ve always felt like my feet and modern shoes were incompatible. I’ve always struggled with balance and generally feel insecure in most shoes i wear even the big name brands. Totally gonna try out a barefoot/wide-feet style shoe next!

[@oberonpanopticon]

I’d never thought about this before. This is absolutely bizarre, I thought we were past the point of letting fashion take priority over health (well, for the general population at least). To hear that something like this is happening to what’s probably the majority of people on earth is mind boggling.

[@TheBoardGarage]

Just watched this again, and I wanted to highlight a small bit that I really appreciated. You mentioned how you don’t think assembly line work is a good way to be a human being, and it’s good to support this as artisan work. That’s very well said, and the simplicity of it is powerful. Cheers sir.

[@JakeLeary]

Thanks! I think I originally heard from Daniel Pink the idea that creating something from start to finish is a better way to be a human. The following from ChatGPT: "One notable figure in this regard is the British craftsman, designer, and writer William Morris. Morris, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, advocated for the return to craftsmanship and the rejection of mass production. Morris believed that the industrial revolution and the rise of assembly line production had dehumanizing effects. He argued that the separation of tasks in the factory system resulted in workers losing touch with the creative process and the joy of making something with their own hands. Morris advocated for the revival of traditional crafts and the integration of art into everyday life, valuing the holistic experience of creating objects from start to finish. In his influential book "The Craftsman" (originally published in 1901), Morris highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, craftsmanship being intimately tied to the human experience, and the need to reclaim the dignity and fulfillment inherent in skilled manual work."

[@emraef]

i think i still prefer all the benefits industrialization has given us

[@timurthejerk9270]

⁠@@emraefwhile morris is a bit radical in his take I think there’s room for both. For essentials mass production should still be there; but for things not as essential (works of passion) I think adding the Human Touch would improve the experience for all parties involved

[@GhostMasqerade]

​@@JakeLeary which is just rephrasing what Marx said about alienation of labour in the late 1800s

[@yoshi_wrld4892]

Repent of sin and Trust in Jesus! John 14:6 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:13-23 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. -

[@joosh.e]

I came to this video intending to watching a minute or two at the start, not watch the whole 20 minutes and have my entire view of the fashion industry upended, yet here we are. I love the structure, by the way, of not only pointing out the issues of the current system, but the remedies, and lots of genuinely good options for those of us who want to take our foot health into our own hands right now. Great vid!

[@yuvra649]

Im from tropical asia and moved to west as an adult. About 4 yrs later i was facing constipation issues. I went to doctors etc never figured out what could fix it fully. One day i noticed my little toe went shrimp because of bad shoes. Switched to widetoe box shoes. And guess what my constipation disappeared. I figure it was because walking in regular shoes didn't work my abdomen muscles enough. Edit: they werent just widetoe box but the barefoot no padding with wide toe box shoes

[@Emppu_T.]

Very curious

[@Anwelei]

That is extremely interesting. I wonder how much it’s affecting other people similarly.

[@theprodigalson4003]

8:50 bro, I’m so glad this video exists. Hopefully I can have no pain one day, it’s because of people like you sharing this knowledge. Everyone thought I was weird, now I’m meeting more and more people who know what these shoes can do to you. I appreciate you.

[@robwasnj]

Unbelievable! For my entire life (I'm 56) I thought I had "Fred Flintstone" feet and always sought out shoes with wider toe boxes but shopped within popular brands, I had no idea such shoes that FIT feet existed and figured I just had the oddest shaped feet. And... just like you said, wide sized were no help, in fact it made it worse because my foot slipped harder into the toe area and it crammed my toes even more. The only thing I wish you'd mentioned were shoes shaped properly but with cushion and protection, like for hiking, mountain biking, etc. If you can recommend any brands that have these super wide toeboxes I"d love to try them out but will also try some barefoot shoes as well. So far I found New Balance, Asics, Five Ten and Altra are the only brands that offer some models with acceptably wide toe boxes but sometimes they change the models and all that goes out the window. I've sent back many sneakers recently due to this.

[@JakeLeary]

Of those you mentioned, Altra has the widest toebox (they sell models with 3 various toebox widths) and in the description there’s links to Lems which make shoes with thicker soles for hiking

[@robwasnj]

@@JakeLeary Thank you for the reply and yes, the Altra's are my current go-to hiking boot right now. I actually went into an REI and told the salesperson I don't care what it costs, who makes it or what it looks like, I simply want something that accommodates my big toe (I took of my shoe and showed him) and he had me try on. a few different brands and the Altra fit the bill. Now after seeing your fantastic video I realize perhaps I have healthy non deformed feet thankfully and it's the ridiculous trend towards shoes that don't fit feet that's the problem not my anatomy. I'll look carefully through your links when I get home from work tomorrow and start exploring this new world of better foot health you've opened my eyes to. Can't thank you enough for making this excellent video.

[@paulroberts9642]

I've been wearing minimal shoes exclusively since 2008. Back then, Vivo barefoot shoes fit me perfectly. Unfortunately, they have become narrower over the years to appeal to more fashion conscious customers and now crush my toes just like regular shoes. Thanks for the referral to Realfoot. I'll definitely check them out.

[@matthewcurtis3759]

I have that same problem with Vivo. I wear Zelens from Xero Shoes w/toe spreaders from Correct Toes. My pinky toe pushes into the outer cloth lining, but it isn’t uncomfortable. Get Xero’s huarache sandals. 4mm soles with a traditional thong strap. It’s as close to barefoot as you can get.

[@Vanadium]

Biggest problem I see is that the specialist shoes are really faaar away from being wide. Boots for an example in construction or anything else that mandatory to wear protective gear.

[@GTarditi]

When I was a teenager, I joined the cadets and got my feet in some boots, and instantly grew a preference for them. I've just compared the toe box of my current boots and my current shoes and I'll give you one guess which is wider. I'm not saying they're perfect, they won't be and they still have many of the shoe problems you've talked about, but now the reason I find boots more comfortable and more stable makes much more sense.

[@Eurazba]

I think it's interesting to see that this idea of a "natural narrow foot" also translates into things like prosthetics. I'm an amputee and I wear a prosthetic leg, the prosthetic foot I have (which imitates the look of a natural foot) is narrower than my actual flesh and bone foot. The toes are all squished together to make one smooth mold for the rubber, and even though I recently got a new foot with a toe notch between the big toe and the others so I can wear things like flip flops once again, my prosthetic foot is still narrower than my actual foot. And thanks for all the resources for different barefoot brands to look into! I've been wanting to get some since learning more about foot health and the barefoot movement, but the price of entry for a lot of brands was rather intimidating to me.

[@anoyint]

That is fascinating, thank you for sharing

[@apoetnamedink.]

I have a friend who wouldn't stop recommending them to me after having serious knee and hip issues in my early 20's. I was also skateboarding, getting Vans and Reboks flowed out to me... I had no idea how much they were destroying my body until I decided to work as a trail worker in the moutains and I couldn't support my pack on my back because my foundation was incredibly weak despite of my physical training. They got me on barefoot shoes and I absolutely cannot go back. Thanks for this video, something simple I can share with curious people! Also, Float Life!!!

[@frozenbacon]

Yep, started paying attention to my toes for the first time in 36 years. Been working out barefoot for nearly a month and the changes in my feet are pretty dramatic. I used to be terrible at balance, but now I can stand on one leg with little problem. The funny thing is that I tried to work out barefoot years ago but stopped because it hurt my feet. I tolerated the pain this time and it went away after about two weeks as my foot realigned itself.

[@BBB-to4cc]

I went to the foot doctor for my bunions. He told me to roll a cold water bottle on my feet for the pain and that I would just have to get surgery one day when they get too big. This video is literally amazing. I have spent thousands on chiropractors and physical therapists and still have horrible back and neck pain. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@JakeLeary]

Rolling the bottom of your feet is a great idea but I’m not a fan of ice or anti-inflammatory pills as inflammation is your bodies way of healing and the temporary relief may delay healing. The angle of the big toe can be reversed (at least partially) with stretching and exercises (see @myfootfunction on instagram) but the enlargement of the joint might not really go away. Strengthening, mobility and function are the long term solution, and unfortunately rehab can be a painful process.

[@Sharpie951HD]

Many physicians nothing short of Charlatans

[@exosproudmamabear558]

You still need surgery for that to go away since it is a bone growth. But a good shoe will prevent it to grow bigger and lessen the pain. Still do some cold aplication time to time so inflammation wont get worse.Inflammation and the pressure is the main problem with bunions afterall.

[@exosproudmamabear558]

@@JakeLeary As a doctor myself, anti-inflammatory practices are a good thing. They get rid of over inflammation that cause fibrosis and other healing problems(Such as excessive bone production and arthritis that cause the bunions). Your body tend to get a bit over reactive when it comes to chronic exposure, so you need to do it to prevent further issues. You shouldn't give such an advise if you do not know the mechanism behind it or a doctor.

[@JakeLeary]

@@exosproudmamabear558 OP said the doctor had them roll a cold water bottle “for the pain” which implies that nothing is being done to address to cause of the problem, and instead a band aid solution is being prescribed to mask the pain. I would say that in general this is the biggest flaw in modern medicine (treating the symptoms instead of the cause of the problem). You are basically arguing that “inflammation is the cause of your inflammation” instead of looking upstream to see that the hallux angle is the cause of the inflammation. I prefer the solution of exercise, stretches, avoiding narrow toebox footwear, and maybe orthotics like toe spacers, instead of waiting until the pain gets bad enough to pay a doctor to chop your bones up with a dremel.

[@apolotary]

It’s very hard to find wide shoes out there. Even more frustrating is when brands change models or factories, so a wide shoe that used to fit you, now doesn’t. I remember reading a blog called “wide with agony” for wide shoe selection advice

[@ryllaresler532]

Thank you SO MUCH. for this. I’m a yoga teacher working in Switzerland and often do toe work as part of class. Especially important as I work with many age 40 plus. I also have personal experience, including having had posterior tibial tendonitis. Your tip on spreading the toes before balancing, a revelation! Can’t wait to share with my students. I so often emphasize how important toes are to balance, walking, and therefore quality of life especially as we age. I sometimes podcast and would love to get you on… More on healing long term “tight toes” would be appreciated. AND, let’s make wide toed shoes the new cool! Really, how important is it to have the freedom of walking throughout our lives???

[@JakeLeary]

Totally agree. I will say that spreading the toes for balance does take some time to feel the benefits because at first you want to rely on the old habits. What's your podcast?

[@CirceIsland]

Also, I want to know about the podcast.

[@bungiecrimes7247]

show your toes

[@ryllaresler532]

Podcast is not going yet - but these messages spur me on. Meanwhile I do offer a couple of online yoga classes for free/donation where I do a lot of footwork. If anyone is interested, let me know.

[@SeanPaulNotTheSinger]

Definitely one of the better barefoot advocacy videos that I've seen. Well done, good sir. I've been training my feet to be more open using a mix of some barefoot shoes. A couple of pairs from Feelgrounds (from Germany) and a pair from Merrell are what I have. I don't really have a preference, but have noticed that I have a lot of fatigue, at least at first, when using them, which goes away as you're strengthening your feet (a bit like getting used to riding the Onewheel). I've also been working... working? using some toe spreaders a couple of times a day, which seem to help.

[@LucidDreamer54321]

I have always enjoyed going barefoot whenever possible and wearing loose comfortable shoes when barefooting was not possible. As a result, I have feet that are wide, strong, and healthy i.e. a normal human foot. I am also a retired nurse and saw thousands of feet during my career. I would estimate that 99.9% of them were horribly deformed.

[@primaveral-s8s]

I'm really glad I started seeing this type of content ~2 years ago, when I was 13. At that time I had always worn shoes and they always hurt my toes and felt uncomfortable. But that year I decided that I was going to at least start improving my foot-health by not wearing shoes. I've been wearing sandals nearly exclusively for almost 2 years now and it's amazing. I don't have random foot/toe pain anymore (besides when my toes had to readjust to not being compressed). So glad I was able to start early

[@gigalad4191]

I started having problems almost six months ago, but I hadn’t really felt anything bad until a year ago. I’ve lived in the country my whole life, and we have a lot of bugs and stickers in certain areas, so I was too scared to go barefoot anywhere. But about a year ago, I was like “you know what?” and just started walking barefoot around our property. Months later, my feet are hurting (go figure). Took us a couple weeks (and too many pairs of shoes) to find out what barefoot shoes are. I have a pair of whitins now, and I’m going to look into some more brands. Now to get the rest of my family to ditch foot prisons

[@tylerdavis2307]

you really kept me entertained for 20 minutes talking about shoes. 10/10

[@Shadow_Enz]

It's almost suffocating being in a society full of people lying to themselves and being lied to by people with power and responsibility. This kind of information should be common sense, not a rare unicorn youtube video that comes off "eye opening". Thanks for discussing this subject.

[@cosmicreef5858]

I agree

[@incaseofimportantnegotiations]

you know that yankees are not common and the rest of the world lives differently?

[@hah-vj7hc]

Yeah, true. I guess it comes down to corporate greed, as per usual. You're supposed to buy new shoes as often as possible and ideally those medicinal inlays, or whatever that's called in English.

[@Shadow_Enz]

@@hah-vj7hc Corporate greed doesn't account for blue pills continuing to lie to themselves about their bubble of a world.

[@Shadow_Enz]

@@incaseofimportantnegotiations Thankfully yes the rest of the world may live differently but do you think haute couture is a Yankee thing? I'm speaking about the society I belong to (western society), and unfortunately it's not an honest society.

[@friendly_sitie]

This is a really good and important video. I've never really considered how shoes affect my feet over time, but I've always had trouble getting shoes that feel comfortable in width. This video explains a lot of my past miscomforts with shoes and gives solutions. Thanks! :)

[@Roach992]

As a kid growing up poor, it was hard getting new shoes after I already grew out of mine. Some people truly don’t have the choice to having messed up results without knowing it’s actually wrong as a kid.

[@resh2rei]

Wow this is actually an amazing summary of something that should be common sense. My feet are so damaged and nobody cna tell me why my toes are useless, and this explains so much!!

[@MaidenBklyn]

I have been to four podiatrists in NYC for a painful bunionette. I was told it’s genetic, prescribed worthless and uncomfortable orthotics, and recommended bunion surgery. My gut told me that something just seemed so wrong with all of it. In the past, I have had various foot issues, including plantar fascitis and heel spur and both resolved when I changed my footwear. I’ve kind of come to the conclusion that podiatry is largely a sham medical speciality. Thank you for this comprehensive, thoughtful video - I feel vindicated in a way.

[@JakeLeary]

Yeah most orthotics just treat the symptoms and ignore the underlying cause. The one exception to this I can think of is toe spacers or some other device to spread the toes to reverse bunions, because the cause is actually the toes being crowded, so this does address the cause. But I still don’t use toe spacers and highly prefer to walk and run in soft sand to help spread the toes and do stretches by hand or wearing toe socks and jamming like the corner of a wall or furniture between my toes and wiggling them

[@picashlio3361]

Yeahhhh.... no. I won't come within 20ft of a podiatrist office unless i have an ingrown toenail, and even then I'm more likely to go to a GP. I've had too many idiots tell my parents to put me in super high arch shoes because I had tendinitis.. how that was supposed to help I'll never know, it literally made it worse.. to visit a podiatrist again. I'm sure there's good ones put there but most don't have a clue about feet.

[@420Gold]

Many medical specialties are full of shit. Most doctors are full of shit. I’m not against the actual benefits of modern medicine, but I’m extremely skeptical about the medical field and especially doctors. I say this as a paramedic whose worked with doctors in the medical field for over a decade.

[@wdgosling]

most doctors don't know about anything other than what they are taught in the books. If you have symptoms of something, t,hey prescribe drugs or get you into an expensive treatment or surgery. Because that''s what they studied

[@gnatdagnat]

​​​@@420Goldif I may ask, what have you done as a paramedic if it wasn't EMT (or where you work with doctors so much)? I'm not familiar with the system but I'm considering studying paramedicine.

[@nvirevolution2235]

Been interested in shoes with little to no sole after using a pair of Nikes until they were basically just that. Once I got around to replacing them with "real running shoes." I found the cushiony and tall soles of more modern shoes really shocking. I felt like I had less control of my feet. This has been a really informational video. Thanks!

[@Sollace]

I'm really glad to see more people bringing this to attention. I always hated wearing shoes for this exact reason. They'd always end up squeezing my feet (you mentioned horizontally, but also vertically. My feet are not flat like some shoes tend to assume). Any time I pick out shoes I have to select the ones that fit and don't hurt my feet. Naturally, all my shoes are running shoes made out of soft/breethable material, a flexible sole, and slightly longer than my toes in front because I picked it based on the width. Of course if I'm at home I'm barefoot.

[@Sollace]

Today I learned that one of the shoes I have are called "barefoot shoes" :D Great video!

[@Kanzuko]

I'm one that usually only wears shoes outside and even take them off mid day for a bit as some relief and now it makes sense why so many people seem to think the pinky toe is useless. My toes are still able to be splayed like this and I have better balance for it. I've noticed that the pinky toe is vital in this balance. I've also noticed that my shoes often wear out in a way that my pinky toe ends up making a hole in the side of my shoe. This makes a lot more sense now

[@TheAlienDude]

Same

[@AVI-lh6rm]

my socks just got a hole in them recently, in the pinky toe. im always barefoot at the house and i wear sandals often when going out, im so glad i did that because i have all natural feet. it helps even moreso because im a bit of a nature boy lol

[@cavemaneca]

Maybe they are more regional than I thought, but I was suprised that Vibrams weren't mentioned at all in this video, either for or against. As someone who went mostly barefoot well into my teens and always bought wide shoes to be comfortable, they're the most comfortable shoes I have. I have two different pairs, one for street running and causal wear and a second with slightly thicker soles and insulation for outdoor/hiking.

[@bekichan91]

I'm in Australia, I've only seen one person with them, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot more folks here with them - this was just one person that I worked with, I don't tend to pay attention to what shoes people are wearing in public. A quick search says that they're from Italy, so they must have some spread, just not the most well known shoes. For example, I couldn't have told you the name of them but I recognised them as soon as I searched them.

[@incaseofimportantnegotiations]

wore dr martens or clones since 14

[@enwe6487]

Ohh whoa! I got watershoes because a friend told me I need some for our vacation at the sea - and I was so mesmerised when I ordered them and tried them on at home and have been wearing them just as regular shoes because my toes can do their natural thing and therefore, support my knees which usually really hurt. We need to make healthy feet a standard!

[@JakeLeary]

Haha yep. There’s a common type of water shoe sole that has 5 bumps in the front and when I see those I know it’s got a wide toebox. Some water shoes are still pointy in the front

[@sdb9884]

I’m barefoot most of the time, and I have been trying to find good shoes for walking this fall. This is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@alfredoalejandro87]

Great video. I consider my feet to be pretty natural seeing as I work from home so most of the time I don't wear shoes. However, I feel extremely sorry for my wife who has the most horrible bunions on both feet since her mum always forced her into shoes which were too small for her. I know she is a little self conscious about it.

[@andifishgallery9400]

Im sorry to hear that, its sad that standards are the defying factors for our comfort now, i really hope you two are doing well

[@JesseDriftwood]

Love this! I’m still waiting to find a skate shoe that doesn’t feel like I’m going to break my toes. It’s the only activity I do that I don’t use minimal footware for.

[@Kleyguy7]

Let me know if you find something

[@koacado]

Yeah definitely looking for a good option here

[@silentrocco]

Word! Great video! This whole industry took a wrong turn long ago. Glad to see barefoot shoes and sandals on the rise.

[@elixorvideos]

I ordered some barefoot shoes yesterday and they’re arriving today 😊

[@BlownMacTruck]

Dude. Did not expect this from your content, but it’s awesome and actually DOES fit your videos. I love this because I’ve always complained about tight toe boxes, even when I size up or go wide. Even worse, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed a tailor’s bunion. Well it’s not problematic yet (no swelling or pain) but I definitely want to stop or reverse it. All the stuff you talked about really lit a fire in me to get the right footwear to do so. Really want to hear more of the stuff tin mentioned at the end too.

[@suryanima_chandranima]

Great video! My own solution as a young person was to wear sandals as often as I could (get away with it). And now, a couple decades in, I've successfully divested from conventional footwear and encourage others to do so as well. It's such an exciting time to be surfing this wave of change!

[@freerideziege6047]

I live in Austria / Europe and I nearly exclusively wear "Waldviertler". They make robust shoes with wide toeboxes in an old traditional-shoemaker-style. No plastic involved. You can also repair them over and over again. In the long run, Its also way cheaper, even though a single pair is way more expensive then an average shoe. I have short wide and different feet (left is 3mm longer). It is soo good to keep a pair that finaly fits for longer. I got my last pair 2 Years ago for 120,00 Euros. rode 7000 Km with them on my onewhel and wear them nearly every day. I changed the insoles a few times and let them reepair for 80,00 soon. New soles, insoles and all the stiches overworked. So basicly a new shoe with the upper leather kept for a perfect fit like before. 😁

[@biohazard8295]

Any brand to recommend? I live in Italy, so i'm sure i will find whatever is sold in Austria as well. I am super curious to try them. Hope i can find an alternative also for construction shoes, which i wear daily for work.

[@yoshi_wrld4892]

Repent of sin and Trust in Jesus! John 14:6 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:13-23 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. -

[@realquadmoo]

Gosh this makes so much sense. Problem is, it’s hard enough for me to find a shoe to fit my insane feet, I think I’d have to custom order crazy expensive shoes that would work for me

[@annie5741]

What an amazing video. I'm really impressed with all the studies that you put together to show that bunions are, in fact, not hereditary. I switched to minimalist shoes a year and a half ago and I'm never going back. My hallux vagus has gotten better and I now have an arch. My feet feel so much stronger and my balance has definitely improved. As a side note, "Czechia" is pronounced CHEH-khiyah or CHEK-iyah - with a k, not a ch, in the middle.

[@0106johnny]

A lot of these studies are very biased and could not be reproduced by other researchers, but if it works for you that's fine of course.

[@annie5741]

@@0106johnny I'm gonna need you to be less vague. Your statement holds zero value as of right now. What are your sources and which studies are you referring to?

[@glebs.]

Are you a CHeCHian aswell? )

[@annie5741]

@@glebs. Indeed

[@Discrete1998]

My issue isn’t the toe box. It’s the literal width at the middle of the foot. My shoes always roll because the chunk off foot outside my pinky toe is an extra inch out. It was interesting hearing about foot development and shoes. I spent most summers barefoot as a kid, due to poor shoe fit with double wide feet. I’ve always been able to use my toes similarly to fingers and they’re strong.

[@anushiladey7427]

Try Asics gel kayano extra wide

[@asmodiusjones9563]

Same for me. Shoes that are labeled “wide” are laughably narrow.

[@jcolby298]

Your videos are very clearly and simply explained. You have a gift for explaining. "sweaty foot prisons". love that quote.

[@barbecueshoes9212]

For a couple years now I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes from Freet and honestly I really can’t go back. You can actually feel the texture of the ground through the soles and it makes you feel so much more aware of your environment and it’s so much more comfortable.

[@kassiasilva9896]

I worked in heels for several years of my life. I've been embarrassed of my big wide feet all my life. There's so much that gets affected when your feet are not properly supporting your body. This has been a great video. I'm sharing this. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145]

Wow this was an eye opener. For me I think this problem is exacerbated somewhat because I like when socks and shoes feel snug on my feet. So you can probably imagine how jacked up my toes are after 38 years of "snugness." Need to make some changes, definitely don't want bunions. I'll start with a pair of Whitins for work and go from there. Thanks for the info!

[@burnt196]

In recent years I’ve had a lot of problems with pain in my feet and legs and through all of it, I found that walking barefoot was a lot more comfortable than wearing shoes. I also often found myself going out in sandals because I generally dreaded wearing shoes. I thought it was just some weird preference of mine but maybe its more of an age old discomfort due to forcing my feet into an unnatural shape. Looking at my feet now, I was definitely heading towards bunion territory, and I find that really scary. I’ll definitely be investing in barefoot shoes and working on healing before it gets any worse.

[@nikkiannabelle1]

Good on ya for all of the nuance! For including affordable options and also artisan brands and for mentioning sports/scenarios where minimalist shoes aren't the best!

[@Technics69]

Thanks for the video! I’ve had really good results with the Whitin brand on Amazon. What bums me out the most is that I work in an industry where safety toe shoes are required. They must also have a metatarsal guard, which only adds to the stiffness. In the last few years the options for lightweight met guard shoes have increased significantly. Now let’s just hope they get wider!

[@colincheshire6366]

This may be the best yt video I’ve ever watched. I had no idea this happened, let alone because of doing something as small as wearing shoes. It’s totally insane how this has become the norm. More people have to see this!

[@hiyamii]

Thank you this was very eye opening! I didn’t realize I was ruining my foot health gradually over time because of pointed shoes.

[@VigiHunter]

2,5 Months into barefoot shoes now. Got the vivo tracker G2 for outdoors and the primus lite for office. Just gave away my old hiking boots as they cramp my toes together way to much. After a few months you already feel impaired when switching back to "normal" shoes, its crazy. Just an advise to take your time and slowly increase the time walking in barefoot shoes. I came from orthopedic insoles, so the transition needed lots of separate training and a toe spacer. Thanks for video :) upto now its all true. update after 9 Month: my feet are significantly stronger, my arch ist back, backpain is gone and walking with 3mm soles on pavement is now no more problem. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thank you jake :)

[@wilsonov87]

I used to get terrible shin-splints, and my feet were so flat that my footprint was completely solid. I stopped wearing shoes around age 19 when I noticed I was developing bunions like my mother (her toes are practically crossed over). It took two summers to condition my muscles and toughen my soles (walking on the beach is great for both of these). The shin splints completely disappeared, never to return, and I was amazed that my arches also lifted significantly. I am now 36 and almost never wear regular shoes, preferencing barefoot mostly, and Vibram FiveFingers for when shoes are required. I have noticed that all my peers are constantly complaining about back pain and other joint pains, and also being tired all the time. Whereas I have endless amounts of energy, and absolutely no pains or twinges - I feel that I could walk forever and never feel any pain or fatigue. I credit the bulk of this quality of life to going shoeless as often as possible, and therefore maintaining a natural posture, flexibility and freedom of movement into my middle age. It is great for the brain, as well, because there are so many nerve endings in your feet that go dormant when they are wrapped in shoes. That is a lot of constant brain stimulation to lose. (Not to mention the different textures of the ground just feel so lovely! Some of my favourites are fine gravel, dusty dirt, and lichen-covered footpath. Yes, I also have spent a lot of time digging glass out of my feet, but that's par for the course! Just watch where you're going!) Also one should not overlook the massive benefits of grounding the body's natural electrical current into the earth; that is truly miraculous for inflammation, and anxiety too. Sometimes when I feel frazzled, I simply stand barefoot on the grass or the earth for about 15 minutes, and I feel so much better. Try that!

[@TheBoardGarage]

This is absolutely fantastic. Excellently done, and just amazing work. 👍

[@JakeLeary]

Thank you! I put a lotta hours into this one

[@AllSquirrelsGoToHeaven]

Holy shit, thank you man. I'm 37 and I've suffered from back problems since I was 7 after a months long bout with meningitis that paralyzed me temporarily and left me with life long nerve damage. I had a strange intuition while watching this and I tried removing my socks and standing in my kitchen. I just looked at my feet and spread my toes, my little toe on each foot is going to need some work but the rest seems fine, in a natural posture this gave me access to muscle groups that I haven't stretched or used properly since I was a baby, an entire network connected to my toes that spans the legs, lower back and even my shoulders. This just made my year.

[@mgkelly3389]

So much here I didn’t know. I’m going to look into the brands you mentioned. Earlier this week, after a long day at work, my foot hurt so badly that I was limping the next day.

[@JakeLeary]

Hope it helps! Minimal shoes will make your calves sore at first from using the muscles more. I used to avoid walking when my feet hurt, now that I’m minimal shoes full time, if my feet hurt I go for walk to fix it.

[@RB-yt6rx]

Been seeing a lot about this recently. I really hope to see a revolution in shoe design. Im all for it. I remember getting a lot of foot cramps as a teen. I also didnt know i was wearing shoes a size or two too small. I was nervous to wear big shoes as a girl. Im a size 8 or so not a size 5 or 6 😅😅 woops. My new shoes have been so comfortable. I might even see if a bigger size is what i need

[@NotaCamelReallyImHuman]

This is a really well-made video and presents the problem in a rational and clear manner. Good work!

[@DoctorDugong21]

Wearing Vibram Five Fingers (toe shoes) for hiking eliminated life-long minor knee pain on descents. At the minor expense of looking a bit like a ballerina hiking down, and occasional painful toe strikes on rocks. The separate toe thing is kind of unnecessary and looks weird, so now I have some Xero trail running shoes for hiking. Unfortunately the tread makes them kind of sketchy for Onewheeling. A word of warning: there are some shoes that are kind of halfway to barefoot, and IMO those are worse than "normal" shoes. This is also backed up by a Harvard researcher who I heard interviewed on The Drive (Peter Attia's podcast.) Basically they remove some padding but still have enough heel drop to make you heel strike, so now you're heel striking with no padding. For me these were the Merrell Bare Access trail running shoes. They absolutely smoked my knees in a mile of running (like hobbling around for days) and then when I went back and made a conscious effort to toe strike, they smoked my shins and calves and I was hobbling around again. IMO go for standard shoes or full barefoot for anything athletic, no half-assed in between. Maybe the in between is fine for walking or standing, but I'm not interested in finding out after that experience.

[@pottasium7117]

i've been wearing newbalances for the past few years.. wouldint call it perfectly ergonomic or barefoot-ish, but the model i wore had a flexible sole that was fairly think, and it was wide enough that i could take a normal stance. I also have nike's as backup shoes, and oh man, stiff-thick sole + thin frame shoes that feel undersized (eventhru its 1 size up), cant imagine wearing those/or similar on daily occasions. 14:53: while im not using "barefoot/minimal" shoes, the ones i use allow me to walk using leveraging over the big-toe/calf muscles. Fairly often people ask me about my leg-day routine, and i just tell people to hike/walk etc (loaded backpack helps with additional muscle strain) with appropriate shoes

[@starthornfromscratch2718]

Love this video! For most of my life I was allowed to not wear shoes at home or when outside (unless I was walking on a road) and I noticed that each year of school my feet would literally change shape, because in the summer I would pretty much never wear shoes unless I had to go in public. I feel like that should be more of the norm.

[@Kholdster]

I recommend the Merrell Wrapt. For my money it's the best looking barefoot shoe. It has a wide toe box without looking too funny and the sole is thick enough for use on natural and unnatural surfaces while being thin and firm enough to allow for perfect balance and engagement of your foot muscles. It's also not overpriced like most shoes branded as barefoot.

[@oupwo7468]

Man, I always had small troubles with my feet. You helped me realize that all of them can be traced back to walking with 'bad' shoes 24/7. Thank you so much. life saver right here.

[@driptcg]

Never seen this channel before, but i love how the information was presented! A very no-nonsense, straight to the point, yet fluid delivery; thanks!