Minimalist Shoes: Proven Benefits for Your Feet and Posture

In recent years, minimalist shoes have been gaining popularity—and for good reason. Driven by a more natural approach to movement, they appeal to those looking to achieve a healthier gait, improve their posture, and prevent chronic pain. But what does the science say? Here's a look at the proven benefits of minimalist shoes.

👣 1. A more natural and healthier stride

Traditional shoes with thick soles, cushioning, and raised heels change the way we walk and run. Conversely, minimalist shoes—with thin soles , zero drop , and high flexibility — mimic barefoot walking .

🔬 What the science says: A study published in Nature (Lieberman et al., 2010) showed that running with a forefoot strike significantly reduces shock at impact compared to a traditional heel strike. The result: less stress on joints (knees, hips, back).

🦶 2. Natural muscle strengthening

By reducing artificial support, minimalist shoes allow the foot to work naturally . As a result, the muscles of the foot, ankle, and calf become stronger and more resilient .

🔬 What the science says: A study by Ridge et al. (2013) published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise showed that after just 10 weeks of progressive use of minimalist shoes, the intrinsic muscles of the foot had significantly increased in size and strength .

📏 3. Better posture and optimized body alignment

By removing the raised heel, minimalist shoes encourage a more upright posture , natural alignment of the pelvis and spine , and reduce muscle imbalances .

🔬 What the science says: The American Council on Exercise (ACE) reports that standard heeled shoes alter postural alignment, while flat shoes contribute to better overall postural balance .

🧠 4. Better proprioception and ground connection

Thanks to their thin and flexible sole, minimalist shoes increase plantar sensitivity , which improves proprioception .

🔬 What the science says: A study by Robbins and Waked (1998) in the British Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrated that walking barefoot or in thin shoes increases proprioceptive activity and helps prevent injuries by strengthening balance reflexes.

🚨 A gradual transition is essential

Caution: Changing abruptly from classic to minimalist shoes can cause pain or injury, especially if your foot muscles are weak.

Recommendation: It is advisable to gradually switch to minimalist shoes, increasing the duration of use little by little, while strengthening the foot muscles with specific exercises.

✅ In summary: the benefits of minimalist shoes

And you, are you ready to rediscover the pleasure of walking naturally?

At SummitView360 , we design minimalist shoes inspired by nature , designed for all seasons: breathable, waterproof, durable, and made with recycled materials.

🔗 Discover our minimalist collection now →