Everything You Need to Know Before Ditching Cramped, Support-Obsessed Footwear

There’s a lot of noise out there about barefoot shoes, wide toe boxes, and arch support. Some of it’s helpful. Most of it’s confusing.

This page is your clear, honest guide to what barefoot and wide shoes actually are, who they're for, and how to make the switch without wrecking your feet.

Start Here: Understanding the Basics

Want to know if barefoot or wide toe box shoes are right for you? These guides break down what makes them different from the stuff you’ve been wearing most of your life.

What Are Barefoot Shoes?
Zero drop, thin soles, wide toe boxes; here’s what that all means.
My Journey to Barefoot Shoes
Follow my journal to why I started Wide Strides and how I found barefoot shoes

Common Foot Problems These Shoes Can Help With

A lot of people find barefoot and wide shoes because something hurts. These articles explain how natural footwear can help with foot pain and when it might not.

Foot Pain 101: Are Barefoot Shoes Good for You?
What to know if your feet are already struggling
Barefoot shoes for Mortons Neuroma?
Do barefoot shoes help and what shoes are best to manage Mortons Neuroma?

The Foot Type Debate

One of the most controversial topics in footwear. These guides dig into the science, the fear, and what happens when you give your feet a chance to support themselves.

Do Barefoot Shoes Work Without Arch Support?
Why some people thrive without support and do you need it?
Narrow vs Wide Feet
Do I have narrow or wide feet? Is there a difference between Wide and Wide toe box shoes. Find out here

How to Transition Without Hurting Yourself

You can’t just buy a pair of barefoot shoes, toss your runners, and walk 10,000 steps. Your feet need time, training, and patience. This guide walks you through it.

How to Transition to Barefoot Shoes
A week-by-week breakdown plus exercises and common mistakes to avoid.
Read from my experience
How I transitioned to barefoot shoes

Explore More

Want to go deeper? Check out real stories and first-hand experiences over on the Journal or see what barefoot and wide shoes I’ve personally tested in Reviews.