Do you like to stay active during the fall season? The weather turns colder but there is still so much to do during this time. The one constant is people start to notice changes in their foot health. If you’re already feeling the effects of the changing weather, you’re not alone—and there’s something you can do about it. We dive into how foot shaped shoes and specific exercises can address these cold-weather foot problems, offering you practical solutions to keep your feet healthy and comfortable through the colder months.
The Role of Foot Shaped Shoes in Preventing Common Foot Problems
Are you up to date on the “barefoot shoe” trend or what we call foot shaped shoes? Companies are working around the clock to provide a designed shoe fit to your foot, not the other way around What it does is a provide numerous benefits that are particularly valuable as the weather begins to change.
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- Cold weather can restrict blood flow, leading to cold feet and increased discomfort. Foot shaped shoes help maintain natural foot alignment, which in turn promotes better circulation as mentioned in our previous blog [Top Tips to Prevent Common Foot Problems: How to Prepare Your Feet for Fall and Winter]. Traditional shoes squeeze your toes together, foot-shaped shoes provide a toe box that allows your toes to splay and move around comfortably.
- Bunions are a common foot problem exacerbated by tight, narrow shoes, which are often worn during the colder months. Studies show bunions can be improved which can help to reduce pain and prevent the condition from worsening[Mays, Paleopathological Study of Hallux Valgus. 2005].
- Plantar fasciitis(fasciosis), a common cause of heel pain, can become more pronounced in cold weather due to the contraction of muscles and tendons. The design of these shoes helps distribute weight more evenly across your feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and offering relief from the stabbing pain often associated with this condition.
- The toe box and natural alignment promoted by foot shaped shoes improves circulation, which is key to keeping your feet warm because there is almost nothing worse than your feet feeling like ice. Additionally, many foot shaped shoes are made from materials that offer both insulation and breathability, ensuring that your feet stay warm without becoming overly sweaty. This combination of features makes them an ideal choice for those who struggle with cold feet during the fall and winter seasons.
How Foot Shaped Shoes Alleviate Specific Foot Conditions
- Bunions
- Bunion pain is often aggravated by the narrow, pointed-toe shoes that are commonly worn during the fall and winter. Why not provide the necessary space for your toes to spread out, reducing the pressure on bunions. The pain can be overbearing at times but you also want to prevent worsening it as well.
- Plantar Fasciitis(fasciosis)
- For those wonder why we added fasciosis, studies have shown that this particular ailment has been seen as dead tissue and resembles that more and inflammation[Lemont, et. al. Plantar Fasciitis. A Degenerative Process (fasciosis) without Inflammation. 2006]
- . The right footwear is crucial in managing pain and helps to reduce the stress on the plantar fascia. The combination of a wide toe box in and supportive sole helps distribute pressure more evenly, providing relief from the sharp, stabbing pain that often accompanies this condition, especially during the colder months.
- Cold Feet
- Poor circulation and cold weather can leave your feet feeling numb and uncomfortable. Toe spacers and foot shaped shoes promote better blood flow[Insert Article/Study]. This increased circulation helps keep your feet warmer, reducing the likelihood of developing cold-related foot issues.
What foot exercises can you benefit from?
In addition to wearing foot-shaped shoes, incorporating specific exercises into your routine can further enhance your foot health during the colder months.
- Hacky Sack Toe Curls
- Toe Presses
- Toe Spreading
- Short foot
Watch our video here on how to complete each exercise. Should complete 2-3 times a day and 10-15 reps each [4 Foot Strengthening Exercises – YouTube]
Key Takeaways
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean cold, achy feet. Our primary goal is to get your feet healthy. There are a combination of ways to do so and here we provided some easy at home exercises you can do to significantly reduce pain you may have or discomfort.
