This is not advice, just an observation. There is a prevailing notion that feet need all kinds of supporting structures, lest they fall to pieces.

Then are are some of us who are having success wearing shoes that provide only protection but no support beyond a firm connection to the ground below.

The idea is that properly trained feet are fully capable of providing support if allowed to move naturally, either barefoot where that is safe or in minimal shoes that provide necessary protection while remaining flexible and mimicking a good flat ground surface under the foot. Basically another application of “move it or lose it”, this time with regard to the natural strength and flexibility of our feet and ankles.

A lifetime in standard footwear of our age will take a toll and it may be difficult if not impossible to make such a transition, but many of us who have done this are fully able to function without any support structures in any of our footwear.

I run, walk, cycle, lift and spend long hours on my feet this time of year in minimal dress shoes that don’t even have a soft insole. My feet are sometimes uncomfortable with the stress of the work but I really don’t have any sort of foot pain.

As I said, this is not advice, just an observation.

Otto