Transition barefoot shoes? Beware of confusion about last size

I'll tell you something that happened recently with a client that left me quite confused.

It's about transition barefoot shoes and although it may sound a bit technical, I never thought that the concept of transition could be confused with the shape of the last of the shoe.

That is to say, a barefoot shoe can never be narrow at the toe area, even if some people think that it is "prettier".

At this point, let's be clear about that.

Tonses, I'll tell you what happened.

Angel, one of the cracks of ZaMi, had been talking to a woman on Instagram for days.

She was looking for a transition shoe because she had a Morton's Neuroma (if you don't know what it is, better for you, because it's a pain).

All in all.

The woman, quite well informed, knew that a barefoot transition model was ideal for her situation.

So far, so good.

Angel recommends the Primal 3 and a pair of Chelsea boots from Lems, shoes that are the best of the best for those looking to smooth the transition to the barefoot world.

He passes her the link, she looks at them, falls in love and says:

"How stylish for a barefoot!".

If you're curious, here's the link so you can take a look.

Everything was going smoothly.

Angel guides her by phone on how to place the order (who does it like that anymore?) and sends them to her.

But soon after, the customer contacts him again.

She had made a mistake when entering the postcode and the shoes hadn't arrived.

Angel solves the problem by changing the address and he does everything urgently because the woman was going on a trip and needed them.

Finally, the slippers arrive and everything seems to be in order... until the comment that I (we) have heard a thousand times comes along:

"My feet look like ducks! I look like a clown, how can I go out in these?

And best of all:

"I thought they were a transitional model".

Angel, patient as always, clarifies:

"It's a transition model because it has a thicker sole, plus, for your Neuroma problem it's the best: width and protection in the toe area."

And the customer:

"No, no. I thought the last was transitional, something between conventional and barefoot shoes".

And here's the rub.

The customer confused the shape of the last with what transition means in footwear.

Let's be clear.

When we talk about Transition Shoes, we are referring to the thickness of the sole or, in some cases, the elevation at the back if you have hamstring or calf discomfort, so that your feet can progressively adapt to barefoot.

The other features should be the same as barefoot shoes: wide at the toes, flexible, without reinforcements.

So no. Transition shoes are not narrow.

In fact, it should be the opposite.

More room for your toes means more health for your feet.

But of course.

Some people can't stand the idea of having "duck feet", even though what they're seeing is what a healthy, free foot should look like, with no binding or deformity.

That's why I leave you with an infographic with the different types of barefoot shoe lasts, from the widest to the most conventional.

The most important thing is that all of them respect the linearity of the big toe, without forcing it to turn inwards as traditional shoes do, which causes bunions and other problems.



So, if you are looking for the perfect model to get you started in the barefoot world without discomfort, I recommend the Mustang Free.

These shoes come with 2 insoles:

• One with a rear elevation, ideal if you're just starting out and need extra support for your calves or Achilles tendons.

• And a flat one, perfect when you're more adapted to barefoot.

• For women and men.

Effectiviwonder.

Health starts with your feet.

Antonio Caballo