23/05/2026
Barefoot running shoes are not automatically bad, but they are not automatically safe either.
At Newcastle Podiatry, we often see people make a sudden switch from supportive trainers to ultra-minimal footwear, then develop calf pain, Achilles irritation, forefoot pain, plantar soreness, or ankle instability.
The issue is usually not the shoe alone, it is the speed of transition. Your feet, calves, tendons and joints need time to adapt.
If you are thinking about trying barefoot-style shoes, start slowly, listen to pain, and be especially cautious if you have a history of Achilles pain, forefoot pain, ankle instability, diabetes, or reduced sensation.
Footwear should suit your feet, not just the latest trend.
๐ Newcastle Podiatry, Gosforth
๐ www.newcastlepodiatry.co.uk
๐ 07904 681 477