Reconnecting With Minimal Footwear... - The Foundation Chiropractic

Reconnecting With Minimal Footwear…

Two questions always top the heap when choosing shoes today: Are they comfortable? and Are they supportive? We’ve seen advancements in various types of foam, air pockets and shock absorption technology all while soles get thicker and thicker under the name of more support and more comfort. We all know this. But, what you may not know is that along with the upward interest and manufacturing of thicker soles and tech foam is the growing number of people with foot and ankle issues: chronic sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, balance issues, etc.

Like with most things health related, when the focus of the conversation is to be as comfortable (asymptomatic) as possible, you’ll usually find yourself more disconnected, unhealthy, and at a disadvantage in the long run than you ever thought possible. 

Wouldn’t a more logical and empowering conversation be how to be the healthiest person possible and how can you honor and promote the intricate brilliance of the human body? I can assure you if THIS is your focus, the long-term outcomes will ALWAYS far surpass any short term comfort.

Today we bring this conversation to something as simple as, what should you put on your feet? In one corner we have thick-soled footwear and in the other corner we have minimal footwear.

Really, this conversation comes down to 2 factors: How do thick-soled and minimal shoes both affect your STRUCTURE and your NEUROLOGY/PHYSIOLOGY?

STRUCTURE

Thick-soled footwear

Have you ever broke a bone and needed a cast? When the cast was removed, what did your muscle tone feel like? Weaker right? So weak in fact that they began to atrophy or shrink because they didn’t have to work the 6-8 weeks they were in the cast. The same is true every time you slip on a thick-soled shoe. The thick sole is just like a cast for your foot. Because the muscles of your foot do not have to work, they don’t and they get physically weaker. Ever wonder what creates and maintains the healthy arches in your foot? Strong muscle tone. Unfortunately, this can lead to fallen arches (flat feet) and whole host of other bio-mechanical issues from bunions, to knee issues, to plantar fasciitis, and more. 

Minimal footwear

As a general principle, barefoot is best. When it’s not possible, safe, or socially acceptable, the thinner the sole, the better. For the very same principle addressed above, the more your foot feels the earth, asphalt, etc. beneath it, the more the muscles of your foot innately seek to grip it as you walk causing natural maintenance and increase of muscular strength. With strength comes greater balance, stability, and alignment not just for your feet, but for your knees, hips, and overall structure. 

NEUROLOGY/PHYSIOLOGY

Thick-soled footwear

The bottom of your feet are lined with millions of tiny sensory receptors that feed your brain with vital information about the world around you. Wearing thick-soled shoes dulls/numbs these receptors and this the information quite literally causing you to be disconnected from the world beneath your feet. 

Minimal footwear

Feeling the ground beneath your feet allows your brain to learn while relaying information of pressure, temperature, danger, body position, etc. to flood your brain which changes and adapts your muscle tone for better balance, stability and precision.

To take this a step further, research in now being done to understand how walking barefoot on the earth resynchronizes your body’s magnetic field, circadian rhythm, and can actually rebalance your body’s PH by taking up minerals from the earth into your bloodstream.

So the next time you are in the market for new footwear, you now have some new information to ponder that very well could make a big impact on your overall health. 

Want to learn more?

Check out this mini documentary entitled Shoespiracy.

Cheers! 

Dr. Rob

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Salvador Bolanos
16:48 04 Aug 25
I was trying to find a place to deal with my back issues. Dr. Rob's holistic approach has proven to effective with my back issues. Dr. Rob is committed, hospitable and professional to his patients. I'd highly recommend you see Dr. Rob if you have back issues.
Claudette Wright
13:44 04 Aug 25
I want to first thank,
The Foundation Chiropractic Inc.
for giving me my life back. I came to The Foundation after trying many different
Practices and procedures with no positive results.I was hit by a truck walking across the street as a pedestrian. I suffered excruciating pain throughout my body for years before I
Discovered Dr.Mirandola. I came to the Foundation to try to live a pain free life. I also wanted to experience optimal health.
Dr. Mirandola has allowed me understand what health means and clarity. I also learned how important it is to have your spine aligned and exam and adjusted if it needs it. I have such great faith that The Foundation can provide optimal health and alleviate the pain throughout my body. He can do it for me and all his clients. I believe he is a very experienced chiropractor and cares deeply about all his clients health.
Christina Lamoureux
23:38 29 May 25
I can’t recommend The Foundation Chiropractic Clinic enough—this place is on a completely different level. From the moment I walked in, it was clear they do things differently. Instead of asking me to point to where it “approximately” hurts, Dr. Mirandola could actually show me where the problem was. No shot-in-the-dark tweaks here—every adjustment is based on real scans and assessments, and the precision of this kind of care plan is what put me at ease.
Since I started treatment, I’ve had a dramatic drop in the debilitating migraines I used to experience almost on a weekly basis. I also no longer experience the scary swallowing issues I had! On top of that, I’ve felt a noticeable improvement in how my nervous system handles stress. Before, I was constantly overloaded and felt like I was going crazy—but now, I finally feel like my body is beginning to relax.
It’s clear that their method of targeting the root causes—not just the symptoms—is what makes the real difference. If you’re tired of the typical “crack-and-go” quick fixes and are looking for long-term results—as well as a doctor who truly understands the spine and nervous system—The Foundation Chiropractic Clinic is where you want to be.
Ben Davis
18:26 19 Mar 25
Dr. Rob is exceptional at his occupation! He is passionate about educating and empowering his patients to achieve a better physical, mental, and emotional well being. After entering into his care, I have experienced remarkable improvements in mind-muscle connection, circulation, mood, balance and patience.
Gayle Pageau Pouliot
02:02 20 Feb 25
Dr. Rob is very knowledgeable and has explained all aspects of his care plans in a way that is approachable and logical. I have had improvement in flexibility and posture since starting my treatments. This has been especially helpful as a mom to a new baby. I spend a lot of time sitting and holding a baby and trying to keep my back healthy and in good alignment has helped my overall health and recovery during this time.
Leanne Richard
21:00 09 Feb 25
I've had such a welcoming and amazing experience with Dr. Rob since I started coming 6 months ago. Since coming my back pain has significantly reduced, and as a result, my sleep has improved tremendously. He always takes the extra time to explain the treatment thoroughly and makes sure I understand the care, which makes me feel confident in the process. Highly recommend to anyone looking for effective chiropractic care!
Naomi Weisner
14:53 05 Feb 25
Dr. Rob provides exceptional chiropractic care. Came in initially with back pain, and with my ongoing treatment, I have noticed the significant decrease in pain and tension. As an athlete, the treatment makes a HUGE difference and I'm thankful for Dr. Rob and Lea!
Fran Shafir
14:15 28 Jan 25
We have been so fortunate to find exceptional chiropractic care right in our neighborhood! From the moment we walked into Foundation Chiropractic, it was clear that this is not just another chiropractic office—it’s a family-run practice where pride of ownership and personal care shine through in every aspect. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you immediately feel like part of the family.
Dr. Rob has been incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. He takes the time to explain everything in detail, from the diagnostic tests to the treatment plan. It’s clear that he’s not just interested in fixing the symptoms but also in addressing the root causes of my son’s issues. It’s a space where you can feel comfortable asking questions, and Dr. Rob takes the time to answer everything in a way that’s easy to understand. The progress reports are a fantastic touch, allowing us to track improvements and adjust the care plan as needed. It’s reassuring to know we’re on the right track. My son has been dealing with posture and balance issues, and we’ve seen noticeable improvements in his stature and stability.
Overall, we are extremely pleased with the level of care my son is receiving and look forward to continuing the journey towards better posture, balance, and overall health. We highly recommend Dr. Rob to anyone in need of chiropractic care!
lexie rider
16:45 23 Jan 25
Dr. Robs approach to his practice will make anyone who visits feel heard, and taken care of. He lets you know step by step his approach and why and continues to show you your progress along the way. Find comfort in knowing your health is in good hands at The Foundation Chiropractic:)
Dominic Burdick
00:12 23 Jan 25
I have a long standing issue with my lower back and since my sessions with Dr Rob I have had no flare ups. Dr Rob is patient and thorough and I would recommend him to anyone interested in seeking quality chiropractic care.