Senior Physiotherapist Nina Curtis: Why I choose Barefoot

Senior Physiotherapist Nina Curtis: Why I choose Barefoot

We are delighted to introduce you to Nina Curtis, a barefoot enthusiast, and a Senior Physiotherapist. Nina has agreed to become a regular contributor to our blog, providing us with an invaluable insight into her love of barefoot shoes and how they have impacted her day-to-day role as a physiotherapist.

Hello, my name is Nina and I am a Senior Physiotherapist with over 15 years experience in the NHS and the private sector. I have a particular interest in treating foot and ankle issues and am a member of The Association of Foot & Ankle Physiotherapists here in the UK.

Nina Curtis Senior Physiotherapist and Barefoot Enthusiast

I developed an interest in barefoot shoes in my early 20’s and have been wearing minimalist shoes ever since. They were recommended to me by a colleague and I was instantly hooked. They were so comfortable and after a few weeks I stopped getting achy arches and twinges in my ankles. I was careful wearing them initially and built up slowly to make sure my legs and feet had the chance to properly adjust.

Once I started running wearing them I noticed the immediate change in my running style, I felt light, springy and it was joyful. The slight knee pain that had been bothering me for a few months had also gone. My interest was well and truly piqued and since then I have tried a vast array of different brands and styles from the famous Vibram 5 fingers to fur lined winter boots.

Initially my interest was strictly personal but over the following few years I started to see how the principles underpinning barefoot shoes could also be applied to my work. Traditional treatments for foot and ankle issues often involved insoles, arch supports, braces and injections.

I started looking a bit more into how our foot and ankle biomechanics are affected by our footwear choices and realised there are a lot of ways high-street shoes may be hindering our feet. They often compress our toes which limits natural toe movement and splay. The arch supports (which are present in most trainers) weaken our arch muscles and the inflexible soles prevent normal ankle and foot movement.

I started working with my patients to strengthen their feet and build up power and stability. Instead of advising orthotics and insoles I began removing support from shoes. Often issues that had plagued people for years were hugely improved by a simple change in shoes. Now footwear is something I talk to all my foot and ankle patients about (and anyone else who will listen!)

For me there are 3 principles that underpin the benefits of a barefoot shoe and I ask people to keep these in mind when looking at what they choose to wear on their feet:

1. A wide toe box

The front of the shoe tapers out slightly instead of tapering in. This follows the natural shape of the foot and ensures our toes are not squashed together like traditional high street shoes.

2. A zero drop sole

This means there is no raise at the sole of the shoe and no heel. Most traditional trainers whilst looking flat actually have a considerable raise to them, pushing our weight unnaturally towards the front of the foot.

3. A thin and flexible sole

When walking , the shoe will move with your foot‘s natural movement and not restrict it. Normal shoes often have a rigid sole which prevents this.

Barefoot shoes have become even more popular over the past decade and designs have changed dramatically; they are now stylish, accessible and more comfortable than ever. I am hoping this trend continues and more people discover the joy that comes with freeing their feet. More comfortable feet, stronger muscles and beautiful shoes – what’s not to like?!

Nina Recommends: