I ended up returning my Topo Athletic shoes, and I thought I'd explain what happened because I think it might help someone else who is making the transition to zero-drop shoes.
My right foot started hurting in the Topo Athletic shoes when I went out on my two-hour walks, and after thinking about it for a while, it finally dawned on me what was going on. The Topos I bought weren't a true zero-drop shoe. They had a 5 mm drop, and once my feet had become accustomed to true zero-drop shoes, I could definitely feel the difference. I honestly didn't think such a small measurement would matter, but for me it absolutely did.
The owner couple was so incredibly nice about exchanging them for me, and after listening to what I was experiencing with my feet, they recommended that I try the Altra Torin 9 in blue, which is a brand I haven't worn before. I can't say enough about how kind they were throughout the entire process. They genuinely wanted me to end up in the right shoe for my feet.
The more I get into walking, the more I realize there is an incredible amount to learn when it comes to choosing the right shoes for everyday walking, let alone running. I'm working my way toward becoming a runner, but my body isn't quite there yet overall, and neither are my feet after living a rather sedentary lifestyle for many years, which is something I've become determined to change.
What has surprised me the most is how completely my feet have adapted to zero-drop shoes. Now, when I put on a traditional athletic shoe with a raised heel or one of those thick foam shoes, it just doesn't feel right anymore. I never thought I would say that, but I actually prefer feeling connected to the ground instead of standing on top of a thick layer of foam.
So far, my Vivo Barefoot shoes are still my favorite because they're about as close to barefoot as I've found. I also love that they're made with real leather and suede. In my opinion, leather/suede breathes much better than synthetic materials, and I think that's especially important for people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Breathable shoes and good 100% cotton socks are worth paying attention to. I wear the all organic cotton Allwear brand ankle socks, and they have been excellent. No stinky feet whatsoever.
I also wear Natural Foot Orthotics because I have extremely high arches, and they've made a tremendous difference. You can buy them on Amazon for about $100, which eliminates the need for custom orthotics that can easily cost thousands of dollars. Natural Foot Orthotics comes in three different arch heights, and I wear the highest one. After breaking the metatarsal in my right foot about seven years ago, I've become almost fanatical about finding the right shoes and the right support because I've learned the hard way just how important our feet really are.
I can hardly wait to see how the Altra Torin 9s work out! read more