Back-to-school season is upon us. Kids are starting new grades (or even new schools!). College students are beginning their fall semesters. School buses are driving through the neighborhood again. Parents are adjusting to their pick-up and drop-off schedules. 

The start of the school year marks a new season for students and their families—full of new routines, new classes, and new school supplies. Yet this back-to-school season, whether you’re participating in it or not, is also the perfect time to start a new rhythm of your own: reclaiming your foot health with zero-drop, minimalist shoes. Unfamiliar with these types of shoes? Your education begins now. 

Class is in Session: What are Zero-Drop, Minimalist Shoes? 

At Lems, we believe shoes should allow your feet to move freely. In other words, less is more when it comes to the shoes you wear. While that means creating quality, durable shoes that meet those standards, we also help educate people on the importance of wearing zero-drop, minimalist shoes over the traditional, bulkier shoes found at everyday shoe stores. 

Minimalist Shoes, Explained

So what are minimalist shoes, exactly? Our minimalist shoes at Lems are designed to mimic the natural movement of your feet, as if you were walking barefoot. Made with lightweight and durable materials, these shoes come with less weight, bulk, and rigidity compared to conventional shoes. Yet minimalist shoes still provide enough cushion and support to protect your feet on all kinds of surfaces. 

Focusing on your foot’s natural movement means our minimalist shoes are also shaped with your foot’s anatomy in mind, too. Our shoes provide a wide toe box, allowing your toes to spread when walking like they would if you were barefoot. With these natural shape shoes, your feet can move more freely, almost as if you aren’t wearing shoes at all. 

Understanding Zero-Drop

The sole of your shoe plays a pivotal role in supporting natural foot movement, which is why many of our minimalist shoes are also zero-drop shoes. When you wear a “zero-drop” shoe, your heel and toe are level. This is a very different sole experience from conventional shoes, which will elevate your heel on average 14mm to 24mm above your toe, causing your toes to “drop.” 

At Lems, we consider any shoes with 2mm or less of drop to be zero-drop shoes. A zero-drop minimalist shoe mimics your natural barefoot position on a flat surface, as your feet essentially lay flat as you stand and walk. Not only does this position promote better balance and posture, it also encourages a natural mid-foot strike when you move. 

Extra Credit: The Benefits of Minimalist Shoes Over Conventional

While conventional shoes are commonly sold at most shoe stores, that doesn’t mean they’re the healthiest for you. On the surface, you may think that shoes with thick soles, extra cushioning, and rigid support will prevent foot problems. However, behind the scenes, your traditional shoes are likely causing you more problems than you realize. 

All the bulk, features, and technology of modern footwear actually put your feet in an awkward  position, literally and figuratively. Wearing conventional shoes creates unnatural movement in your foot: toes are scrunched together due to narrow toe boxes, raised heels push your body weight forward, and thick support removes your foot’s ability to sense the ground underneath.

Eventually, this unnatural foot position of traditional shoes causes your feet to depend upon the shoe’s overbuilt support, weakening your foot muscles in time. As a result, you may struggle with balance, posture, and alignment issues that eventually lead to overcompensation, pain, and injury.

Minimalist shoes, however, aim to restore and enhance your foot health. And healthier feet lead to a number of overall health and wellness benefits, including:

• Improved muscle strength: Minimalist, natural shape shoes strengthen foot and lower leg muscles that normally weaken under conventional shoes, thereby reducing injury risk.

• Proper toe alignment: A wide toe box allows for natural toe splay and alignment, reducing pressure points and supporting better balance. 

• Better movement: Zero-drop soles promote healthier walking, running, and training performance by encouraging proper posture and natural gait. 

• Reduced pain: Because minimalist shoes allow your feet and body to work naturally, they can help decrease foot pain and discomfort, as well as joint pressure.

Your School Supply List: Healthy Footwear at Lems

Just as students are starting a new school year, you can start prioritizing your foot health (and overall wellness) with minimalist shoes that help your feet move as nature intended. At Lems, we offer a variety of zero-drop, minimalist shoes for every season and style, including:

• Hiking shoes

• Natural running shoes

• Waterproof boots

• Adventure sandals

• Everyday trail shoes

• And more! 

When it comes to foot health, that’s a pretty good “school supply list.” If you’re ready to move free and run wild, shop our online store today or find a retailer near you.