Queen Letizia has been dealing with foot problems lately. First, in 2022, she was diagnosed with a Morton's neuroma in her left foot. This painful condition is characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves between the third and fourth metatarsal bones. Morton's neuroma can cause sharp and intense pain in the metatarsal area (front part of the foot, beneath the third and fourth toes), as well as numbness and tingling.
Secondly, more recently, Queen Letizia suffered a fracture in the proximal phalanx of the middle toe on her right foot due to a household accident.
Despite the injuries, Queen Letizia must keep up with her official duties, so someone, in their good judgment, has advised her to choose wider and more comfortable footwear for these occasions.
She could have chosen a regular shoe, from any fashion brand, yet she chose barefoot footwear in her latest appearance. And this says a lot about the times we are living in and the change we are experiencing…
Why did the queen choose barefoot footwear and not just any other shoe?
- Comfort and relief: Barefoot footwear respects the foot’s natural shape, unlike most fashion shoes. With its minimalist design and flexible soles, it allows the feet to move naturally. This footwear is the only one that minimizes the chances of discomfort and chafing, especially after suffering a fracture in the proximal phalanx of the middle toe on the right foot.
- Reduction of pressure on the toes: This type of shoe has a very wide toe box, not tapering to a point like most shoes. With these barefoot shoes, Queen Letizia will experience less pressure on her toes and the front part of her foot. This could be beneficial both for her Morton's neuroma, as it would reduce compression on the nerves between the metatarsals, and for the fracture, because it would not compress or misalign the bone that is in the process of healing.
- Muscle strengthening: Barefoot footwear stimulates the muscles of the foot and leg, which could help keep the muscles active and strong. This could be especially useful for her recovery after the fracture. Other shoes with thick soles and rigid structures do not allow the foot to work; they simply immobilize it.
- Improved posture: By respecting the natural shape of the foot and providing a flat base, barefoot shoes can help maintain better alignment. We won’t even mention heels, but shoes with a slope, meaning the heel is higher than the front, cause compensations in the rest of the body, leading to pain in the knees, hips, back…
We hope Queen Letizia increasingly chooses barefoot footwear and reduces the use of conventional shoes. This change could not only improve her comfort and well-being but also contribute to her overall health in the long term. We would love to see her more often wearing barefoot shoes, enjoying their benefits and maintaining an active lifestyle without the discomfort of traditional shoes.
If you suffer from any of these ailments or want to experience the benefits of barefoot footwear, here is the link to our latest barefoot shoe model: