PRESS RELEASE- Foot Expert: Why Barefoot is the Way to Go

Sydney Podiatrist and Footgear Clinician Bronwyn Cooper believes that runners and walkers can both avoid injuries and reduce their existing ones by switching to barefoot or minimalist shoes, but must do so with gradual transition as well as professional help and advice.

Recent research shows that 60-85% of runners are injured every year, and conventional sports shoes are to blame. They are deemed to be too restrictive by bracing the feet and not allowing enough movement for the foot muscles to strengthen naturally.

These alarming figures have prompted major sportswear companies like Nike and Reebok to develop minimalist footwear to “tackle” the problem, and it is the fastest growing sector in the sports shoe market. Nike has removed support from their fastest growing sports model since 2005, with Adidas launching its first barefoot shoe in 2012, while non-sports brands like Rockport and Ecco have already joined in the trend.

“This is providing a great variety of choices in the market, but consumers should be careful when making the change,” warned Cooper.

“Conventional footwear and orthotics have stiff components and do not allow the muscles to strengthen, so your feet end up becoming weaker through inactivity,” explained Cooper “Runners and walkers can aggravate their injuries further if they change to those minimalist shoes straight away.”

Cooper, with 37 years of experience in the footcare and footgear industry, has been “de-orthotising” her patients for the past six years. This treatment includes the use of BAREFOOT SCIENCE™, which is an insole system that stimulates and activates intrinsic muscles in the feet, while promoting better movement patterns and posture.

Backed with 20 years of research, BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ is clinically proven to build strong feet and stimulate neurosensory input or “biofeedback”. It is the only insole system that works along minimalist or barefoot lines, enhancing proprioceptive input and resulting in better foot placement and less risk of injury. Cooper believes this is the future of healthy feet.

“BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ acts like a gym for neglected postural muscles of the foot and stimulates weaker muscles to increase resistance level as they become stronger,” said Cooper. “It allows runners and walkers to transition from fully supportive shoes, whether sports, casual or dress to minimalist or no support footgear safely and pain-free.”

“This is the future for healthy feet, and being able to function in a “barefoot” manner should be the goal for all.”

BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ is available in full and 3/4 lengths. Unlike traditional insoles and orthotics that merely brace or cushion the foot, the unique patented design safely stimulates and strengthens the foot's supporting muscle groups.

To talk to Bronwyn about BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ or arrange an interview or comment from her, please contact:

Bronwyn Cooper
Podiatrist/ Footgear Clinician
walkbetter@drfootsolutions.com.au

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