Mind Your Rehab
Mind Your Rehab
Allison Heffron
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Foot Health: Toe Box, Zero Drop, and Barefoot Shoe Guide
42 minutes Posted Jun 16, 2026 at 11:21 pm.
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Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Allison & Dr. Vinny break down everything you need to know about footwear and foot health. Dr. Allison explains why so many people end up with weak feet after a lifetime of restrictive shoes and socks, and walks through the hierarchy she uses with patients when picking better footwear.

In this episode:

  • Why weak feet develop and how shoe and sock design plays a role
  • The 4 part hierarchy for choosing better shoes: wide toe box, heel to toe drop, stack height (cushion), and toe spring
  • Why going barefoot while lifting matters, and what the "tripod" of the foot is
  • Why flip flops and slides can contribute to hammer toes over time, and what to look for in a sandal instead
  • Favorite shoe brands for running, walking, lifting, and everyday wear, including Altra, Topo Athletic, Lems, Tolos, and Xero Shoes

Links:

Altra https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us

Topo Athletic https://www.topoathletic.com/

Lems https://lemsshoes.com/

Tolos (affiliate code: BFS10) https://weartolos.com/collections/all

Xero Shoes https://xeroshoes.com/

Anya Reviews Barefoot Shoes https://anyasreviews.com/