Frequently Asked Questions... and Answers

How is the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System™ different from other insoles on the market?

Conventional footwear acts like a brace on the feet, restricting the natural movement of muscle and bone, which, over time, makes the muscles of the foot lazy, eventually weakening and destabilizing the structure––in other words, promoting poor foot health. The resulting instability causes or contributes to degenerative stresses that can manifest as various problems (pathologies) in the feet, legs, hips, and back.

Traditional orthotics and other insole products attempt to address the symptoms of these problems by artificially supporting and/or cushioning the feet. However, recent research indicates that while these products may provide some temporary relief of symptoms, they do not “correct” the problem. In addition, recent studies have shown that users of these products suffer more foot-related problems than those who use nothing at all in their shoes. This is because, with continued use, the supportive/cushioning nature of these products can further weaken and destabilize the feet, causing them to become dependent on the artificial support.

The Barefoot Science Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System™ is a thin, soft, and neutral insole System that is designed to stimulate and re-awaken lazy foot muscles so that they function as nature intended––in other words, they promote ‘optimal‘ foot health and function. With continued use, foot muscles are retrained and strengthened, naturally aligning the bones in the feet and lower legs, promoting optimal foot health and function (i.e., stability and support with superior natural shock management).

How does the Barefoot Science Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System™ work?

The Barefoot Science Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System™ incorporates a unique and revolutionary dome design along with a series of insert Levels that progressively stimulate the center of the arch. This pressure under the arch triggers a reflex action in the muscles that, when repeated with each step, strengthens the foot and lower leg muscles that work together to stabilize the foot, optimizing the alignment of the bones for greater structural strength and efficiency. When the bones of the foot optimally realign, stability increases, resulting in superior natural shock management. This optimized alignment and function significantly decreases the degenerative stresses that can contribute or cause the majority of foot-related problems.

How does footwear negatively impact foot function?

Conventional footwear inhibits natural healthy foot function in two significant ways:

• The cushioning effect of conventional footwear inhibits the sensory stimulus (to the sole of the foot) that is needed to trigger the proper muscle function required to align the bones for optimally stability.
• Rigid soled and enclosed footwear restricts the full foot flexion (the natural raising of the arch and vertical movement of the toes) necessary to manage impact stresses effectively. Rigid soles inhibit natural walking and running dynamics and increase the forces the foot must manage. Shallow toe boxes restrict the natural toe movement required to form a strong stable arch. Tight lacing inhibits the natural raising of the arch in response to increased loads, causing the foot to flatten, which promotes inefficient bone alignment and structural instability that weakens the restricted muscles and causes other muscles to fatigue from overwork.

In all instances, damaging degenerative stresses increase relative to the degree of cushioning, support, and restrictiveness imposed by the footwear.

RECOMMENDATION: When you wear the Barefoot Science insoles, leave your lacing looser than normal to enable your feet to flex more freely and for better circulation.

Does Barefoot Science actually ‘fix’ foot problems or does it only offer short-term relief?

Barefoot Science addresses the cause of most foot-related problems because it reawakens and retrains the muscles that support the foot to work as nature intended. Regular use of Barefoot Science promotes a strong and stable arch system, even for those who have a history of flat feet. As long as footwear imposes functional restrictions, Barefoot Science is your best defense against instability and overall poor foot health. Barefoot Science is not an instant fix but works gradually and is analogous to an exercise program that progressively introduces the sensory stimulus to the feet that is required for natural healthy foot function, despite the unhealthy restrictions imposed by enclosed footwear.

Please note: Barefoot Science does not treat already damaged tissue (scar tissue or fibrosis) caused by historical degenerative stresses resulting from poor foot mechanics and function. If required, the damaged tissues can easily be treated by a medical professional using complementary conventional mobilization therapies such as ultrasound, deep tissue massage, A.R.T.S., etc.).
RECOMMENDATION: Read more here.

Should I buy expensive specialty shoes?

Not necessarily – it is more important to look for four key features (the general ‘characteristics’ of a healthy shoe), particularly in shoes you will wear on a regular basis. Surprisingly, price is often not a factor. If the shoes you wear most often are form-fitting––without adjustability as with dress pumps or slip-ons, or stiff––as with hard-soled work boots or golf shoes, chances are that they lack one or more of these healthy characteristics.

The type of footwear you wear the Barefoot Science insoles in will affect how far you can comfortably progress. Rigid soles tend to ‘magnify’ the sensation of the dome contour, making the lower Levels feel higher than they actually are, while softer soles allow the wearer to progress to a higher Level more easily.

RECOMMENDATION: Four key features of a ‘healthy’ shoe:
1. roomy toe box – allows vertical toe movement
2. flexible sole – easily bendable
3. adjustable over the arch – lacing that you can loosen
4. low, soft-edged heel – allows the foot to roll from heel to toe-off in gait

What is the difference between the full and ¾ length?

1) Full length is for footwear WITH removable insoles such as running or walking shoes. Make sure to remove the generic insole completely before inserting the Full length version of Barefoot Science. The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System works best on an even surface without a built-in arch or excessive cushioning.

2) ¾ length is for footwear WITHOUT removable insoles such as dress or casual shoes. These shoes feature a flat liner without an arch contour. The versatility of the ¾ length version is that it can easily transferred be transferred from shoe to shoe.
RECOMMENDATION: It is important that the Barefoot Science insoles rest flat in your shoes.

Depending on frequency of wear, body weight, and intensity of wear, each Model’s lifespan will vary. The Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System™ insoles’ thin profile takes up as little room in your footwear as possible while providing the essential stimulus for continued healthy foot function despite the restrictiveness of enclosed footwear.

* The Multi-Purpose Model, available in ¾ length only, is the daily wear insole System for dress and casual shoes. It is intended for moderately active daily wear. The Multi-Purpose Model features high-density pads under the heel areas for durability. Duration: approximately six months to a year.

* The Active Model, available in both full and ¾ lengths, suits more intense or frequent activity in athletic and light work shoes. A visco-elastic insert (Level 6) is included to provide long-term durability in addition to the high-density pads under the forefoot and heel areas and a specially treated top sheet. Duration: approximately six months to a year and a half.

* The Therapeutic Model, available in both full and ¾ lengths, is the most durable insole System for those with existing foot pathologies and sensitivities, who are heavy on their feet, or who stand for long periods of time. This Model features an extra web-like layer throughout the insole body with high-density heel and forefoot pads for durability, an extra visco-elastic insert (Level 7) for long-term wear, and a specially treated premium top sheet. Duration: approximately six months to two years.

Are instructions included?

Yes – detailed instructions accompany every set for the ¾ and full length insoles and include a Tips section with advice on wear and care.

Do I have to start at Level One?

Starting with Level One inserts in the insoles’ dome cavities is recommended but, if you have very sensitive feet, you can wear the insoles with nothing in the dome cavities for the first day or so. As soon as you no longer notice the sensation caused by the dome, place the Level One inserts into the insoles’ cavities, then wait at least a week before progressing up to Level Two, then at least another week before progressing up to Level Four, and so on.

RECOMMENDATION: For those with long-term problems, scar tissue may have formed that inhibits healthy foot flexion, causing pain. Effective complementary rehabilitative approaches such as ultrasound and deep tissue massage can help break down scar tissue.

How long should it take to move from each Level to the next?

Every Model comes complete with a full set of progressively firmer insert Levels to gradually strengthen the muscles of the feet and lower limbs in a step-by-step program. Our extensive wear-testing has demonstrated that each Level should be worn for at least ONE WEEK before moving on to the next, starting with the first (softest) Level One insert. Initially, you’ll feel a mild pressure under the arch of your foot where the dome rests directly under your foot’s center of mass. Once this mild sensation of pressure becomes unnoticeable, your feet will have remodeled and you’ll be ready to move on to the next Level. Save used Levels in case you move the System to a more restrictive shoe or begin wearing the System again after being out of your footwear due to illness, surgery, vacation, etc.

What do I do when I reach the highest Level?

Barefoot Science acts as a maintenance program that provides continual stimulation to the feet to offset the restrictive cast-like effect of enclosed footwear. Barefoot Science should be worn whenever you wear enclosed shoes or boots.

RECOMMENDATION: Keep your lacing looser than you would normally – this allows the feet to flex and increased circulation to reach the working muscles.

Is it OK to stop at a lower Level?

In a word, yes, but also assess to what extent a particular shoe may be creating the discomfort before giving up on moving to a higher Level. Even wearing the lowest insert Levels is better than not wearing the Barefoot Science System insoles at all.

What if my size falls ‘between’ the size ranges?

If your size falls just under or at the top of a size range, choose the lower size range. For instance: if you wear ladie’s shoe size 7½-8, choose the XSmall size range (Ladies’ 5-7½); if you wear a men’s size 11½-12, choose the Large size range (Men’s 10-11½). Our size ranges are unisex and accommodate all widths.

Can I wear the Barefoot Science Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System™ in my ice skates and ski boots?

Yes, the Barefoot Science insoles can be worn in a wide variety of athletic footwear. Skates and ski boots are traditionally very stiff and restrictive, which magnifies the sensation of pressure under the feet. For optimum comfort, it may be necessary to move down to a lower Level than you would normally wear in your street shoes. As an example, if you are using Level Four in your regular shoes and boots, Level Two or even Level One will be far more comfortable.

How do I clean the Barefoot Science System insoles?

The best way to clean the System is with an old toothbrush, mild dish soap, and warm water. Simply soak the insoles for ten minutes to half an hour, give the top covers a soft brushing with mild soap, then rinse the soap off and allow the components to AIR dry. Do not wash or dry the Foot Strengthening System insoles or components in automatic machines. They will be refreshed and ready to wear the next day.

Can I buy the insert Levels separately or must I buy the entire insole System?

The Barefoot Science insoles with their patented dome catalyst are packaged and sold together as a set – the insert Levels are not available alone.

RECOMMENDATION: The insert Levels should last the life of the insoles themselves. When the inserts compact and the insole material flattens, it is time to replace the Barefoot Science Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System™.

How do I choose the right Model for my needs?

Every Model fundamentally works the same way with the dome contour positioned through the centre of each insole body to stimulate the foot’s inherent reflex mechanism under the body’s weight.