What we're saying is that we are advocates of letting feet be feet first. Our natural condition is to be barefoot, and we believe that natural flexibility and strength through barefoot activity is a crucial step to having healthy feet.

If that's not enough, then providers should use only the minimal necessary methods for the shortest time possible to correct a problem. Many patients want a "quick fix" for their foot problems, but often the key to long-term health is proper conditioning of feet that helps them function without a regular need for shoes or orthotics.

For example, if you were to get whiplash in a car accident, a doctor wouldn't make you wear a neck brace for the rest of your life. He/she would work to rehabilitate you back to having natural neck function without added support.

In the end, you and your doctor must do what you both feel is best for your situation. We simply recommend that you both consider barefoot activity as an option for healthier feet.