For years we have accepted foot pain, deformities, and discomfort when walking as normal. However, many of the most widespread beliefs about footwear are not based on the anatomy or biomechanics of the human body, but rather on cultural habits and design decisions that do not respect the foot.
In this article we debunk some of the most common myths about barefoot footwear, gait, and foot health.
Myth 1: “Bunions are genetic”
Although there is a certain genetic predisposition, bunions do not appear inevitably due to genetics. We are not born with bunions: we are born with functional, aligned, and strong feet.
The deformity usually develops over the years due to the prolonged use of narrow footwear in the forefoot, which prevents the toes from spreading and moving freely.
This type of footwear causes:
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Loss of mobility in the forefoot
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Weakening of the intrinsic foot muscles
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Alteration of the natural gait pattern
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Greater likelihood of big toe deviation
Footwear plays a key role in the development of bunions.
At Libertas Barefoot we design shoes that respect the true shape of the foot, allowing the toes to work as they are designed to.
Myth 2: “Flat shoes are bad” or “a two-centimeter heel is necessary”
For decades it has been repeated that wearing a small heel is ideal “for health reasons.” From a biomechanical perspective, this claim does not hold up. The human body is designed to walk without artificial elevation. We are born without a height difference between the heel and the forefoot.
When we elevate the heel:
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The center of gravity shifts forward
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Posture is altered from the feet to the head
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Pressure on the metatarsals increases
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The risk of metatarsalgia and overload increases
Walking flat is not harmful when footwear allows a natural and stable gait.
Myth 3: “You can’t walk long distances in barefoot shoes”
This myth arises because many people try barefoot footwear without making a gradual transition.
For years, feet have been stiff and overprotected. When they are freed, they need time to regain strength, mobility, and control.
When the foot can move freely:
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The muscles work actively
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Gait becomes more efficient
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Impact is better distributed
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The feeling of fatigue decreases
With proper adaptation, walking long distances in barefoot footwear is completely possible and more comfortable.
Myth 4: “Barefoot footwear is not compatible with an elegant style”
For a long time, barefoot footwear has been associated only with sports or a very casual style. Today, this idea is completely outdated.
There are currently barefoot designs created for:
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Work
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The city
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Everyday life
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Events and special occasions
At Libertas Barefoot we respect foot anatomy without giving up aesthetics. We believe that freedom of movement and style can coexist.
Walking better starts by questioning what we were told.
Many of the foot problems we consider inevitable are not. Choosing footwear that respects anatomy is a conscious decision that impacts the entire body.
Walking should be natural.
Footwear should accompany, not limit.
Discover Libertas Barefoot and start walking in a freer, more conscious way.
