Choosing sneakers shouldn’t be a purely aesthetic decision. The shape of the footwear, the width of the toe box, and the height of the heel can influence the way we walk and the freedom of movement of the feet. This is what Juanjo López, sports traumatologist and founder of Mustang Free argues, advocating for regaining a more natural stride through footwear that respects the foot.
During the event where the brand unveiled its new collection, THE OBJECTIVE had the opportunity to interview the specialist to discuss the importance of choosing the right shoes and how certain designs can condition our health. In this conversation, the expert explained what features a good walking shoe should have and why he is paying increasing attention to the anatomy of the foot.
What features should a good walking shoe have
For Juanjo López, the first recommendation is simple: choose shoes that fit the shape of the foot, not the other way around. In this sense, the traumatologist highlights three fundamental characteristics: a wide toe box, a thin and flexible sole, and a heel without elevation.
These are precisely the principles on which respectful footwear is built, a more gentle alternative that aims to give the toes enough space, allow the foot to move freely, and ensure that the gait is not constrained by a height difference between the front and rear parts of the shoe.
The doctor also emphasizes the importance of differentiating barefoot wear from respectful footwear. Although both concepts share some features, they are not exactly the same. While walking barefoot involves direct contact with the ground, respectful footwear preserves that sense of freedom and mobility, but provides protection against elements such as rocks, glass or irregular surfaces.
The problems of wearing shoes that are too narrow
One of the aspects that worries the traumatologist the most is the evolution of certain foot-related problems. During the interview, López points out that he is increasingly seeing cases of bunions, hammertoes and Morton’s neuroma—conditions that can be linked to wearing ill-fitting footwear.
«The narrow toe box is one of the elements the specialist highlights most, as it compresses the toes and prevents them from maintaining their natural position», he states. When the shoe does not respect the anatomy of the foot, comfort and mobility can be compromised.
Added to this is the heel height. As he explains, lifting the heel slightly changes the body’s center of gravity and shifts weight forward. Therefore, opting for a flat shoe, with no tilt between the forefoot and the rear, can encourage a more aligned posture.
Comfort should also come before aesthetics
Another common mistake when buying shoes is letting the design take precedence over comfort. The specialist believes we should not get used to wearing footwear that pinches or that we are eager to take off upon arriving home.
The relief you feel when you remove your shoes after a day of walking can be a sign that you did not choose correctly. For López, enjoying a day of walking should be precisely that: a pleasant experience in which the feet do not become a constant source of discomfort.
That said, the traumatologist warns that switching to this type of footwear requires some adaptation. He does not recommend moving directly from conventional sneakers to long-distance barefoot walking, especially if you have never done it before.
The muscles of the feet, the calves, and the Achilles tendon need to gradually adjust to the new demands. Therefore, he suggests starting with short walks and gradually increasing the time and distance. The takeaway is clear: the best footwear should not force the foot to adapt to its structure, but allow it to move in line with its own anatomy.
