Definition: Negative heel shoes are Smart footwear because they intentionally set the feet and body in a position that is advantageous to those with forefoot pain and back pain. They improve gait and reduce impact as the other Smart shoes do. In these shoes, the heel is lower than the front of the foot. Nearly all other shoes tilt the opposite way. Negative heels take pressure off the front part of the foot. It moves the pelvis in to a more favorable tilt so that posture and alignment of the back and lower extremities is improved.
Earth Shoes
There is a break-in period for shoes of this type. The Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscles are stretched. This is good but there can be soreness during the break-in period. There are only a few brands on the market, Earth Shoes and Springboost are seen the most.
Benefits: These shoes are good for those with forefoot problems, such as metatarsalgia, loss of the fat pad, Morton’s foot, Morton’s neuroma and other conditions where there is acute pain at the forefoot.
Text: Copyright 2007-2010 Carole Romig Image: Both – Footsmart Catalog 2008