How do we view barefoot at Nall and why doesn't one shoe fit everyone?
Barefoot footwear has long been a subject of much debate. Some see it as a salvation for aching backs and feet, while others consider it a mere fashion fad. Dan from Nallu takes a sober look at healthy footwear. Let’s take a look at what he sees as the main advantages of barefoot, what to watch out for, and why universal templates from catalogs are often not enough.
Barefoot is simply not a magic pill
In recent years, the word "barefoot" has been used in every possible context and is often presented as an instant cure for healthy walking. Dan from Nallu has certain objections to this. Real barefoot is and will always only be walking completely barefoot. This is the most natural and healthiest way for the human body. However, this is only true provided that you are walking on a varied, soft, and natural surface.
But when you walk on hard city concrete and asphalt all day, your feet can easily become overloaded, and your joints suffer the most. That is why, for these cases, Nallu also offers thicker soles that retain maximum flexibility, do not limit foot function, but at the same time provide the necessary comfort.
It is a mistake to think that you will put on barefoot shoes and your posture will immediately improve. Healthy movement is a long-term goal. A quality shoe should interfere with your foot as little as possible and allow the entire musculoskeletal system to engage. It does not necessarily have to be a shoe with only 3 millimeters of sole, but it must respect anatomy. And this is exactly where we encounter the biggest stumbling block of classic footwear and regular barefoot production.
Why do catalog shoes made on a universal last not fit one-third of people?
For a long time, it was believed in the footwear industry that it was enough to create a few universal templates to cover the entire population. But the reality is completely different. There is no such thing as a universal foot, and there is no brand whose mass-produced footwear fits absolutely everyone. Every foot has a unique architecture, different width, instep height, or heel shape.
How did we find this out? Over the years, Dan has made over 9,000 pairs of shoes at Nallu. During that time, thousands of different feet have passed through his hands. From this rich practice, one fundamental number clearly emerges: more than 30% of people simply do not fit catalog shoes made on a universal last. Whether they are troubled by overly wide feet, high insteps, dominant big toes, or conversely, very narrow heels, they simply feel cramped in off-the-rack sizes or the shoe falls off.
That is why Dan at Nallu chose the path that makes the most sense. Alongside standard sizes, he manufactures custom-made footwear. Everyone can thus afford freedom for their toes without compromises and regardless of how atypical their foot is.
The main benefits of barefoot walking and how to look at them with perspective
When a shoe fits properly, it can do great things for your body. Let's go through the main benefits that barefoot footwear offers and put them into perspective.
Foot protection without deformation
Unlike regular footwear with a narrow toe box, barefoot provides sufficient space for the toes, so there is no squeezing or deformation. The shoes copy the natural shape of a healthy foot and do not restrict it in any way. At the same time, they serve as a reliable shield. Since walking completely barefoot is not for everyone due to cold, the risk of injury, or city dirt, flexible shoes represent an ideal alternative.
Strengthening the feet and better balance
In barefoot footwear, the foot moves more naturally and flexibly. Muscles and tendons that were lazy in a stiff shoe begin to actively work and gradually strengthen, which improves overall stability. Better coordination is also linked to this. Thanks to the thin sole, the foot perceives the surface on which it moves much better. The human brain thus receives precise information from the terrain and can much better and faster evaluate movement as well as potential risks of stumbling.
Influence on posture and foot fatigue
Barefoot footwear forces you to perceive your body and walking style more. It may seem unusual for beginners at first, but gradually this style of walking will lead you to a natural posture, which can relieve long-term back pain.
Regarding foot fatigue, it is necessary to look at it from two sides. Barefoot shoes are extremely light, so you are not carrying unnecessary weight. On the other hand, however, feet may paradoxically ache and feel sore in the beginning because you are engaging muscles you didn't even know you had. That is why we recommend starting gradually and, initially, choosing soles with a higher cushioning effect.
The myth of cold feet
It is often stated that barefoot will reliably deal with the feeling of cold feet. The logic behind this is correct, because when the foot is actively moving, there is better blood circulation and the foot warms up. However, the shoe itself will not solve a chronic problem with cold extremities; it is always a matter of overall healthy lifestyle and the circulatory system.
Find your own way to healthy walking
Barefoot is not just about putting on a thin sole and heading out into the world. It is about listening to your own body, adapting your gait to the surface you are currently walking on, and, above all, having the shoe respect you, not you respecting the shoe.
If you are among those for whom regular off-the-rack footwear from stores does not fit, it pinches your toes, is too tight across the instep, or conversely falls off your heel, do not despair. Your feet are unique and deserve an individual approach, not universal boxes from catalogs. At Nallu, thanks to our years of experience embodied in thousands of pairs made, we are happy to provide you with shoes that will fit like a second skin.
Are you also among the 30% of people whom standard lasts do not fit? Have us make barefoot sandals exactly according to the parameters of your foot. Just choose your favorite model in our e-shop and select the custom-made option in the detail. Within two days of paying for your order, we will guide you on how to measure and photograph your foot correctly, and we will take care of the rest in our workshop. Take the first step towards real comfort and give your feet the freedom they deserve.