
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.