Hey there,

It’s Monday, and this week I have a special menu for you: Shoes

I've carefully curated this menu, selecting each item for its considerable value and deep sustenance. I hope you are hungry, because it’s time to get served.

Enjoy!

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Starter 🥗 

Take off your shoes!!

No, not because they smell like 🧀…

but to improve foot health. According to a 2018 study, only 1/3 of people wear shoes that are the right width and length. So take off your socks and shoes. It’s time to get naked (at least in the foot area 😉).

Main 🥙 

Why we shouldn’t always wear shoes

Do we need shoes? Yes, we need shoes! We used to run and hunt barefoot thousands of years ago; however, a 40,000-year-old human fossil 🦴 was discovered to have delicate toe bones, indicating that shoes were worn on a regular basis. Footwear protects us against various threats, including sharp objects, intense heat, and germs, while also providing structural support.

The problem is that inappropriate footwear (shoes and socks) can constrict the function and structure of the foot and lead to back pain, foot damage, and deformity. When our feet are not healthy, it affects our entire body, including our stride, balance, stability, and range of motion. Therefore, wearing appropriate footwear is critical for maintaining overall health since our feet require support and protection. ⛑️ 

Solution: Find appropriate footwear that fits your feet. With the right footwear, you will be able to avoid the negative effects of shoes. But how do we find the right shoes?

Dessert 🍰 

How to find the right shoes

Choosing the right shoes can help you prevent major foot damage. Here are some steps on how to find the right pair of shoes:

• Get the right shoe size (have BOTH feet measured 🐾 ).

• Don’t rely on the shoe size alone (check the width and depth ↔️ ↕️ ).

• Give your toes enough space to splay (have a wide toe box).

• Check the heel height (a low heel to toe drop = ✅ )

• Stand and walk around in the shoes (for at least 5 minutes ⌚️ ).

• Make sure you’re going to wear the right shoe for the right activity (for example, hiking shoes with ankle support to avoid ankle sprains 🏔️ 🦴 ).

Tip: You will probably spend some time in those shoes. So better take your time when choosing the right pair of shoes that fit your feet 😉.

Snacks 🥜 

Dad Joke of the Week

Mindful Moment

Connect with the 🌍️ : Take off your footwear and go outside. Spread your toes and apply equal pressure to the ground with each toe, beginning at the front of your foot and ending at the back of your heel. Feel the connection between your foot and the earth, as well as the steady pressure that the ground applies to your foot.

A Friendly Reminder

You aren’t satisfied yet?

Here are my sources and personal recommendations for you:

• 🎙️ Podcast: What are the best shoes that promote foot health? (love it!!!)

• 📚️ Books: The Foot Fix & The Foot Book

• 📑 Articles: 6 Common Foot Problems Caused By Shoes & Why It’s Important To Wear The Right Shoe Size

Thank you for being here 💝 

Looking forward to serving you next week.

Much love,

Benji