I decided to try toe-first walking on my daily (rather rigorous) constitutional. It was difficult at first, and my calves were very sore, but I got accustomed to it pretty quickly. I can now walk for a couple of hours straight toe-first, up and down fairly steep slopes as well as on the flats.
Having proven to myself that it can be done, I’m wondering–is there any evidence that it is better (or worse) to walk in this manner, either for the foot or the body as a whole? Could the benefits/drawbacks be affected or dictated by wearing contemporary shoes (as I do, obviously) which are designed with heel-first impact in mind?
I was a ballet dancer in my youth, and my teacher made us toe to heel walk in laps around the studio. It was years before I started walking what is considered normal. I think it builds calf and outer thigh muscles. Or it did on me.
Thanks, that’s interesting. Is that usual for ballet dancers, and do you know of any physical drawbacks associated with it? Stipulating that you’re not an orthopedist (unless you are )
I think it probably is usual for dancers to condition that way. I don’t think there was a down side, other than a bunch of whiny girls complaining. IANAO, just a former dancer.
I watched a programme on the BBC a while ago where they had done some research which showed that trainers may be responsible for many foot problems. Basically, our feet evolved to support us, standing, walking or running, without any covering or restriction. If we run barefoot, we tend to use the ball rather than the heel (as I remember it).
Now, that is fascinating. I have heel issues, ( spurs), so I use the ball of my foot more than the heel. Idk, but I think it is from foot abuse due to 14 years if ballet and Pointe shoes. I try not to look too prance-y walking around walmart, sometimes I fail!
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