Barefoot
First and foremost, let’s be honest: I went to Trent University. Many people think that if you went to Trent University, then you’re a hippie. No comment. I personally have never been called a hippie but that might change after you read this blog…
I just bought my first pair of barefoot shoes. Let me be clear that these are not the ones that look like gloves for your feet, the ones I bought are a very modern looking running shoe. So now that you’re done judging my fashion choices, I’ll explain why I decided to purchase these.
The biggest MS symptom for me has been with my feet. They still feel a little bit numb, 6 months later, but the feeling is slowly coming back. I have found that most of my regular old shoes that gave me no issues before just don’t seem to fit the same way anymore. So, I started to do my research on the types of shoes I should be wearing and what might help me.
I came across barefoot shoes and after reading a number of articles, and messing up my algorithm on YouTube, I made the decision that I needed to try them. Here are a few reasons that really interested me:
1. The toe box: Barefoot shoes have a wider toe box so instead of jamming your toes together to fit, it allows your toes to spread out. This has been the biggest relief I have had with my feet. In order to work on my strength and mobility I need to start working on my toe spread (the term will catch on…)
2. No Drop: Barefoot shoes have no drop, meaning they are flat. This is supposed to help align my ankles, knees and hips better.
3. No obstruction: I have spent the last week using both regular running shoes/training shoes and the barefoot shoes, and what I have noticed the most is that when wearing the barefoot shoes I have more feeling in my feet! Walking and running with numb feet is definitely an odd sensation, but when using the barefoot shoes I can feel the ground and road beneath me. It’s that connection to the ground that I have enjoyed the most (insert hippie joke here).
I am hoping that these are going to help my day-to-day feet issues and help me in creating a healthier version of myself. I am not an expert by any stretch and it is going to take a few weeks/months to truly see if the results stay positive, but I am hoping this might turn into a long-term solution for me!
Between my barefoot shoes and Birks season almost upon us, I have never felt so connected to my alma mater.
- Jesse