04/13/2026
Lately, I've been writing a series of posts for a leadership group on RESILIENCY. Resiliency is defined as, "the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness." Or, "the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity."
While it may seem odd to focus on feet (specifically, "foot health"), when discussing resiliency, it's really not too far a stretch to make the connection. My grandpa used to say (after looking at my growing feet as a teenager), "Looks like you've got a good understanding." So, allow me to give you a "good understanding" of how resiliency and foot health work together in stride.
For most of human history, footwear followed the natural shape of the foot—wide at the toes, flat, and flexible. Early sandals and moccasins allowed the toes to spread and the foot muscles to function resiliently, as designed. That began to change in Europe from the Renaissance onward, when fashion increasingly favored narrow, pointed shoes. By the industrial era, mass production standardized tapered toe boxes that no longer matched human anatomy.
At the same time, elevated heels—originally worn by elites—became common, shifting body weight forward and altering posture. In the 20th century, modern athletic shoes added thick cushioning and rigid arch support, further reducing the foot’s natural movement and strength.
In fact, the more advanced the designs and features became, especially in athletic shoes, the more feet became passive passengers instead of active structures. Shoe designers, in a more than likely good-faith attempt to address injuries, have actually contributed unwittingly to an increase in a domino-effect of injuries. The attempts to "remedy" those injuries through more sophisticated and "supportive" designs only contributed to a vicious cycle.
The shifts in footwear over the years have had lasting consequences. Narrow shoes compress the toes, contributing to bunions, hammertoes, and nerve issues like Morton’s neuroma. Elevated heels strain the forefoot, shorten the Achilles tendon, and can lead to knee and back pain. Overly supportive shoes may weaken intrinsic foot muscles and reduce balance over time.
In short, many common foot problems are not inevitable—they are often the result of long-term adaptation to footwear that prioritizes style and structure over natural function.
However, with a resurgence of naturally-shaped footwear (like the ones pictured in the bark dust, that I recently purchased), in conjunction with the safe and proper protocol for their gradual strengthening (important to avoid injury), the feet's God-given, resilient design and capacity eventually returns, allowing the entire body (from the bottom up) to become realigned and calibrated!
My personal journey towards optimal foot health has just begun, through the encouragement, coaching, and education of my friend and ANLCC Wellness Partner, Jeff Trinci (www.decisionhealthy.com). He would be happy to consult with anyone interested in learning more!
