Footwear Choice and Locomotor Health Throughout the Life Course: A Critical Review
Kristiaan D'Août1, Omar Elnaggar1, Lyndon Mason2,3
1Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Minimal footwear is recommended for daily use to promote healthy biomechanics and lifelong health. Most typical shoe features offer little benefit and can cause harm, unlike barefoot walking.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Epidemiology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Investigates the impact of daily footwear on gait and long-term health.
- Compares various shoe types, including minimal shoes, to barefoot walking.
- Focuses on gait mechanics and heel pad function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss evidence on footwear's effects on gait and health.
- To evaluate the biomechanical impact of different shoe designs.
- To provide recommendations for footwear choices.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of epidemiological and experimental studies.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence supports health benefits of typical shoe features (cushioning, arch support, raised heels) in healthy individuals.
- Evidence suggests detrimental health effects from certain footwear, such as high heels.
- Barefoot walking serves as a baseline for comparison.
Conclusions:
- Minimal footwear is recommended as the default choice for the general population.
- Promotes healthy biomechanical aging.
- Other footwear types should be used sparingly or for specific clinical needs.
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