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I solved most of my back problems by switching to entirely flat shoes. No arch support at all. No heel drop. No sculpted foot bed. Thin soles. They are basicall
by teilo 9y ago
I solved most of my back problems by switching to entirely flat shoes. No arch support at all. No heel drop. No sculpted foot bed. Thin soles. They are basically leather moccasins with a 3mm vibram sole.
While making the adjustment, my calves and tendons hurt for a month or so. Then they adjusted, and wearing regular shoes (dress shoes for events) feels so awkward and unnatural that I cannot stand it.
Contrary to what one might imagine, this did not give me flat feet, but exactly the opposite. My arches have never been stronger or more well formed.
My gait entirely changed. I tend to either place my foot down flat, or put down the ball first.
- tensor_rank_0 9y ago>I solved most of my back problems by switching to entirely flat shoes. No arch support at all. No heel drop. No sculpted foot bed. Thin soles. They are basically leather moccasins with a 3mm vibram sole. sounds like mine, these are what I use: https://www.softstarshoes.com/ https://www.softstarshoes.com/ what do you use, if not those?
- teilo 9y agoYep, that's what I buy. Best price you can find for something like this. The only real alternative I have found (for same or similar quality) is using a cobbler, for about twice the price.
- colanderman 9y agoI've been wearing these Xeros [1] for a few months now and love them. My gait is noticeably different, and my arches are stronger (though they were not particularly weak to start). I do walk more slowly now though. [1] https://xeroshoes.com/shop/closed-toe-shoes/hana/ https://xeroshoes.com/shop/closed-toe-shoes/hana/
- yazan94 9y agoWow, the arguments for using thin soles sounds good and I would honestly be willing to give them a shot. But those are some ugly looking shoes :)
- teilo 9y agoThey have a lot of options. http://www.softstarshoes.com/primal-runamoc-1.html http://www.softstarshoes.com/primal-runamoc-1.html This is what I wear: http://www.softstarshoes.com/dash-runamoc-1.html http://www.softstarshoes.com/dash-runamoc-1.html
- greghinch 9y agoVivobarefoot makes some great ones as well, and some look normal enough to wear to an office. I have their running shoes and hiking boots as well, all are great! https://www.vivobarefoot.com https://www.vivobarefoot.com
- emodendroket 9y agoI had the exact opposite experience, in that getting shoes with more and better support helped really correct my gait and give my knees much-needed relief without much other change to my routine. I also have orthotic inserts but I had those before.