We often hear about the benefits of supportive footwear, but the truth is that our feet are inherently flexible, meaning we should be wearing flexible shoes to promote optimal foot health and better posture.

Stiff shoes with narrow toe boxes and elevated heels essentially force the foot muscles into unnatural positions, which can lead to injuries, weaken muscles, and impair performance. More flexible shoes, such as those designed by Lems, allow the foot muscles to function as they should, enhancing stability and balance.

Learn more about how flexible shoes can offer better support than traditional footwear and keep your feet feeling their best.

Benefits of Wearing Flexible Shoes

Wearing improper footwear over time can contribute to poor posture, musculoskeletal issues, injuries, and foot health problems like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and hammer toes.

Traditional shoes often taper at the toe, squeezing the toes together, and elevate the heel, forcing the toes into the shoe's tip. Switching to flexible, minimalist shoes can significantly improve foot health by strengthening foot muscles and restoring proper alignment over time.

Improved Posture

Traditional shoes elevate the heel and feature a higher stack height, causing unnatural movement and improper foot landing, which can lead to poor posture. Minimalist shoes, on the other hand, level the feet and have wide toe boxes that allow the toes to spread naturally. They are also designed with flexible insoles that help rebuild foot strength.

Though a more flexible sole may seem counterintuitive, it actually doesn't restrict the foot's natural movement. This allows for a full range of motion, not only in the feet, but also in the hips, knees, ankles, and pelvis.

Stronger Foot Muscles

Shoes designed to correct overpronation or provide arch support are often reinforcing the problem instead of solving it.

In contrast, flexible shoes let the foot muscles work as they’re meant to, helping to build a stronger stability system that enhances posture, balance, and performance during physical activities.

Fewer Injuries

When the foot is supported by an artificial arch, it comes to rely on the shoe's support rather than the foot's natural muscles. Over time, this weakens the muscles, reducing elasticity and balance, which can lead to injuries and foot deformities, as mentioned earlier.

Features to Look for in Flexible Shoes

Flexible shoes don’t offer support in the same way traditional shoes do; rather, they help the foot develop the muscles needed for support. In fact, shoes with built-in arch support can actually weaken the foot.

When the foot develops the proper muscles, it maintains correct alignment with each step.

Low Drop

Drop refers to the height difference between the heel and the front of the shoe. For instance, a zero-drop shoe has no difference in height from heel to front. Our Trailhead shoes, for example, have a 4mm drop, meaning the heel is 4mm higher than the front of the shoe.

Traditional footwear, however, typically has a much larger drop, often 10mm or more.

Breathable Materials

Breathable materials are essential for wicking away sweat and keeping the feet cool and dry while wearing the shoes. Lems uses a variety of breathable materials like mesh knit uppers and microsuede. These materials not only allow more airflow during activity but also keep the shoes lightweight and flexible.

Durability

High-quality materials and solid construction provide the durability needed to withstand rough terrain, ensuring you don’t have to replace your shoes frequently. At Lems, we take materials research seriously and aim to create durable shoes that don’t sacrifice quality, weight, or performance.

Most of our shoes feature EVA or IBR rubber midsoles for optimal flexibility and comfort, as well as waterproof membranes, microsuede, and air mesh.

Find the Perfect Fit and Size

Finding shoes that fit properly is key to experiencing the full benefits of flexible shoes. Many people wear shoes that are the wrong size. When trying on shoes, experiment with different sizes and models until you find the perfect fit. Look for a wide toe box with enough space for your toes to move freely, and ensure the heel fits snugly without causing discomfort.