The Problem

The Background – Natural Foot Function & Walking

Walking is a series of steps that allow us to lift our body weight by pushing off of our ball of foot.  The ball, or great toe joint, is where the large toe and first metatarsal come together to form a pivot point that is designed to for the “push off”.

Heel Strike – Walking starts with a foot heel strike (1) placing weight on the heel as the forefoot is lifted (2)
Push Off – The pivot point is flexing as weight is on the ball (3) and pushing off of the pivot point lifts the body weight.  The heel comes off of the ground (4)

The key to fluid walking is making the process as natural & efficient as possible which requires proper foot flexing at the pivot point (3).

The Problem – Restricted Foot Flexing

Normal shoe construction does not permit the great toe joint to properly flex or pivot.
No matter how flexibly the shoe is constructed:  If the foot & great toe joint do not flex properly, Comfort is elusive, and medical conditions can develop over time.
When the great toe joint flexes (1), the ball of the foot drops (2).   This causes the arch to rise (3) automatically.
If the joint (pivot point) does not flex, there is no automatic rise to the arch and therefore no support for the foot is available.
Footwear construction consists of a flat or padded forefoot area inside, thus not allowing flexing efficiently.  Even if the outsole if flexible, the results are less efficient and more strenuous walking.