By now, we doubt you’ve missed the hype about minimalist footwear; the style is becoming increasingly popular and advocates for its health benefits are popping up everywhere. We’ve long been a fan of the zero-drop (no heel raise) shoe. Discovering LEMs footwear made us converts, and there’s good reason for it! In this blog, we delve into the science, benefits, and recommendations for switching over to barefoot shoes. 

Learn more about LEMs in our blog. 

How do minimalist shoes benefit your body?

1. It increases the strength of your foot 

Your foot is a complex part of your body filled with tendons, muscles, bones, and fascia that keep you moving and support your weight. Building strong feet is difficult when we spend most of our days wearing ill-fitting shoes with too much cushion and support. 

That’s right, many of our shoes actually cause our feet to be weak, leading to poor arch regulation and problems with our gait and balance. Minimalist footwear can increase the strength of our feet and improve the foot’s overal function. 

2. Reduce pain in the joints and feet 

In some cases, foot pain is caused by weak musculature of the foot. By building up healthy muscles, many people experience a significant reduction in chronic foot pain. However, people should expect a transition period while their feet acclimate to their new footwear. Switching to minimalist footwear can cause strain on the Achilles tendon and our arch while we learn to adjust our gait and build strength – always take a measured approach to this process to enjoy the benefits of zero-drop footwear. 

3. Create a better relationship with your body 

Our feet have bundles of sensitive nerves that allow us to sense sharp objects and rough terrain. With regular footwear, a lot of that sensory information is dampened. For those developing a somatic relationship with their body, barefoot shoes offer a way to sense, feel, and connect to the ground and local topography while providing enough coverage to be safe.  This brain and foot connection leads to better posture and balance as well as contributes to strength and positive sensitivity.

Are you ready to drop the sole? 

At Escape, we practice what we preach. We have been wearing LEMs zero-drop soles since we discovered them. With vegan options and a sustainable business model, you’ll love the company as much as you love the natural benefits of minimalist footwear. These lightweight and packable shoes are great for day-to-day or hiking Saskatchewan’s many trail systems. 

Check out our Lems Footwear here