Intuitively, we all know that the strength of a structure starts at its foundation. That is certainly true of the human structure as well. Our feet are the complex foundation on which everything above it is built. Among the many things that have compromised the health of our feet is the footwear most of us use daily. The narrow toe boxes, ultra-supportive insoles and higher-than-necessary heels have significantly diminished the strength and functionality of our feet, leading to both acute and chronic issues, including:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis and tendinopathy
• Compromised posture

The two best ways to avoid many of these common problems are to find the right footwear in addition to strengthening the intrinsic muscles of your feet and toes. Let’s start with footwear; as mentioned previously, most shoes are now made with narrow toe boxes that prevent proper toe splay. Remember that toes are the fingers of our feet and are evolutionarily meant to demonstrate dexterity and gripping strength…