What is the relationship between the big toe and stability? Why does Libertas have a splayed toe?
The big toe: key to body stability
Did you know that the big toe plays a fundamental role in the body's balance and movement?
The power of the hallux or big toe
The big toe isn't just the largest: it's four times denser and stronger than the other toes. It acts as an anchor and fulcrum every time you walk, run, or even stand. Its strength and position directly influence your ability to maintain balance, propel yourself forward, and adapt to the terrain.
When we walk, we go through three key phases:
- Heel phase , which receives the initial impact.
- Ankle phase , which allows the transition of weight.
- Forefoot phase , where the big toe is the protagonist, pushing the body forward with strength and precision.
What about conventional footwear?
Most traditional shoes are narrow in the front, causing the big toe to shift laterally inward and reducing its mobility. This prevents it from functioning properly, weakening its muscles and creating an inefficient gait pattern. Over time, this can result in imbalances, joint pain, bunions, and an unnatural gait.
That's why in Libertas ...the finger is free
In Libertas At Barefoot, we design our footwear with a separate big toe precisely because we understand its importance for a natural, healthy, and stable gait.
Our barefoot designs keep the big toe straight and active. Separating it from the other toes is both aesthetic and functional: it restores its natural alignment, strengthens the foot muscles, and improves overall body stability. It's a small change with a big impact.
In Libertas We believe that an aligned footprint starts from the base, and the big toe is its cornerstone.
