Are Your "Good" Shoes Making Your Feet Weak?
November 2, 2026
Contributors
Robbie Stahl
Imagine a glove that smashes your fingers together. Now reach into your pocket and pick out your house key. Now button your shirt. You'd manage, but you'd have a few words for that glove.
Now imagine you wore it for the same amount of time you wear your shoes, all day today and all day tomorrow. After months and years with your fingers smashed together, how well would you expect your hand to work when that glove came off?
Your hand wouldn't work the way it does right now. So why would we do that to our feet?
The supportive shoe you bought on purpose, and what it does to your toes.
We do that to our feet on purpose, and we pay extra for it.
Nobody buys a shoe to smash their toes together. You bought yours for the opposite reason. Maybe a foot doctor told you what to get, or you read up first and tried on a few pairs. You came home with the sturdy pair, because that's what you do when you take care of your feet. "I have all the right equipment," Diane says.
So let me tell you about that equipment.
I work with people over 50 on how their bodies move. In one of my online sessions, I went off screen, grabbed a shoe, and held it up to the camera.
"This is known as a really good shoe," I said. "It's supposed to be a really good, supportive athletic shoe."
Then I told everyone what was wrong with it. "That's not the shape of a human foot. It's not."
The widest part of your foot is supposed to be your toes. A regular shoe narrows them and brings them together. Even a really great quality shoe has good structure, then gets narrow right where your foot gets wide.
When you smash your toes together in shoes, they start to change the structure of your foot over time.
Have you ever watched a baby's feet? Those toes close and open and close again, all the time, because feet are designed to have room between the toes. Nobody has fitted that baby for a good shoe yet.
By the time we're grown, a foot like that is pretty rare because of footwear. One time on a Q&A, someone came on camera with spread toes, thinking the foot was deformed. I had to explain it was one of the only feet functioning the way it should.
That's how normal these shoes have become. I used to even wear them, before I dug really deep into the research. Today, wearing a shoe like that feels really weird for me. I feel like my toes are basically being smashed together, because they are.
The trouble is that your toes get squeezed out of sight, one day at a time. You never get to see what years of it have done to your feet.
How feet lose strength in a comfy shoe, and why you can't see it happening.
Squeezed toes are only half of it. A shoe also holds your foot still, which is the job of a cast. When someone breaks an ankle, the cast keeps that ankle from moving so it can heal. That's basically what we all do with our shoes, except nothing in there is broken.
And the more careful you were at the store, the sturdier the cast you came home with.
You've probably seen a cast come off. Weeks go by, the big day comes, the cast gets cut away, and the leg underneath has lost strength. Nobody in the room is surprised, because if you don't use it, you lose it. Same thing happens with the shoe.
Only that leg was in there for weeks. Our feet have been casted for decades, with hardly a day off. Linda's day goes like this: "I put on my shoes as soon as I get up and I don't take them off until I go to bed." That's the glove again, all day today and all day tomorrow.
A cast takes away something else, too. Your fingers find that house key in your pocket because they can feel it. Your feet are built to feel the floor the same way. But when you cast your feet, you never really let them feel the world around you.
Some of what decades in a cast can do, you can see. Take a bunion. Those shoes that are casting your feet and smashing your toes together, that's actually what caused the bunion in the first place. And your feet carry everything above them, which is why aching knees on the stairs can start lower than you'd think.
Most of it, though, you can't see by looking down. A cast at least comes with a doctor, an end date, a few signatures, and someone who checks the leg when it comes off. A shoe comes with a receipt. So here we are, decades in, and for most of us, nobody has ever checked what's underneath.
Your support really does help. So why doesn't it make your feet stronger?
Should you throw your shoes in the trash, then? Please don't. I'm not telling you to go out and go barefoot, and I'm not telling you to give up your orthotics.
Any type of bracing or support of the body can be very helpful if you really need that. There's a place for orthotics made by a great foot doctor and designed for you.
My clients count on theirs. Some houses ask guests to take their shoes off at the door, and Barb has her answer ready: "I tell them I can't. I have to keep my comfy shoes on." Ask Joan about her orthotics: "I always wear them. I'm worse when I don't wear them."
So the support is doing real work. The catch is whose work. The orthotic is really like a crutch. It's doing the work that your foot should be doing.
It feels much better than an actual crutch, and if you really need one, you use it. But nobody expects a crutch to build up your leg.
Peggy spent a while in insoles and kept saying the same thing: "This is not correcting my foot, it's not correcting my foot. You know, that's not making me stronger."
So the question was never support or no support. It's what your own feet need, and how much, after decades in a cast. You can't answer that by looking down at them.
What you can't see when you look down, and who can see it for you.
"I can't see how I walk."
Ruth said that on a call with my team, and it goes for everyone alive, me included. All you get is the view from above, and from up there, you mostly see your shoes.
On another call, Marie had orthotics from the foot doctor, and she'd been to a special store twice: "I tried one pair of shoes, and then that didn't work. I have another one on. And I still don't feel like I'm walking right. So maybe when I walk, you can tell."
Marie had it right. Someone trained to look can watch you move and see how your feet work from how they're built.
If your hand had spent decades in that glove, you wouldn't try to work out what it had lost by staring at your own palm. You'd want someone who knows hands to watch it reach for that house key.
For your feet, that's our Functional Movement Consultation. You're matched with 2 of our top Fitness Doctor Experts for your case.
They watch how you move on a live video call from your own home. They look from head to feet. It runs a full hour, sometimes longer, and then they show you what's right for your body.
It's $297, and I know that's a chunk of money. So if you don't love your consultation, let your consult team know, and we'd be happy to refund you.
Tomorrow morning your shoes go back on, the same as every morning for decades. You've got a lot of walking and hiking left to do on those feet, so I'd love for my team to watch how you move, from your feet up.
Book Your Functional Movement Consultation
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Client names have been changed for privacy.
Can "good" shoes make your feet lose strength?
Yes, "good" shoes can cost your feet strength. Most supportive shoes are narrower at the front than your foot. They squeeze your toes together and hold your foot still all day, the way a cast holds a broken ankle.
Should you stop wearing your supportive shoes or orthotics?
None of this means dropping your supportive shoes or orthotics, because support can still help. There's a place for orthotics made by a great foot doctor and designed for you.
How can you find out what's right for your feet?
It's hard to see how you walk on your own. In a Functional Movement Consultation, you're matched with 2 of our top Fitness Doctor Experts for your case. They watch how you move on a live video call from your own home, then show you what's right for your body.
Robbie Stahl
Trusted by Doctors. Proven by Members.
The research matters. The methodology matters. But what matters most is this — we're just the guides. They're the heroes. Real people over 50, living with the vitality and quality of life they deserve.
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Carol Bade
This is the best decision I have made
I have been working out for over 50 years and I was always injured. I signed up with The Fitness Doctor a couple of months ago and my mindset about exercising had totally changed. I am now so aware of my alignment, breathing and correct form. Robby and his team are amazing! This is the best decision I have made. I wish I knew about The Fitness Doctor years ago.
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Cheers to more energy and vitality
Choosing the right PHYSICAL FITNESS ADVISER is as vital as choosing the right FISCAL ADVISER. Robbie Stahl- aka THE FITNESS DOCTOR- lured me with his 5 day free workshop. I learned SO MUCH!!! It was not timely for me to invest but I partook of a subsequent workshop and took the leap to overcome the vagaries of excess sedentary days and aging signs. Their attention to video clips and same day feedback of me during live classes is unique yet a reflection of their personalized approach. A post class Q and A afforded an additional option to clarify, even to demonstrate my way and suggest any changes. They accommodated my hip replacement sabbatical and cataract surgery with a timeout and never induced guilt when elder care etc impacted my regular involvement. Service and compassion, encouragement and LOTS of praise are signature elements of THE FITNESS DOCTOR, I recommend it and note that one can improve with their teaching at ANY AGE. GIFT yourself with their program. CHEERS to more energy and vitality
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I have already made significant progress in posture, neuromuscular retraining and strength.
Having a foundation of knowledge regarding exercise, fitness, anatomy, and nutrition prior to VIP membership, I am very pleased with the quality of detail and care poured into this program. I have already made significant progress in posture, neuromuscular retraining and strength. It's science. It's mindset. It's accountability. It's all here.
Vanessa Sherwood
Stronger and in better shape
Training with The Fitness Doctor for 2 years has been a joy! The exercises are designed by our Fitness Doctor Robbie Stahl, working together with recognized experts. Sometimes during the training, Robbie mentions scientific research showing the benefits of an exercise. The format of the program is that first, one of the team of physiotherapists greets all the participants attending the session in a warm, friendly way. Participants will return after the pre-recorded exercise hour led and demonstrated by Robbie, to ask questions, then hear and see answers. Participants asking are seen by other participants, who can learn from them and the answers the professionally proficient team member gives. The culture of the program is of support, love, and caring. Along with their expertise, the team really does extend love and care to each participant. Safety is your first priority, then following instructions to the extent of your personal capability This is pervasive and enjoyable. I know that I am stronger and in better shape for the time spent in this excellent training.
Nancy Rogerson Schmeing
Your body will thank you!
After seeing online Chair Yoga and other stretch or body building sites, I found The Fitness Doctor! I was told I'd get a personal 1/2 hour for my questions, to see if we were a fit and to hear about the class work. That's what I needed and, I was in! My experience, now 2 months worth is, I'm finding the pace, the need for body alignment and personal coaching after class has brought me great success! I've been athletic my whole life. Now, being retired, I've become more sedentary (surprise!) and the upper and lower body modality exercises are bringing my youth back! The care (love) and commitment from the whole staff is really helpful making me feel secure and motivated to always come back and continue at my speeds! Try it, really your body will thank you, from postural improvements to muscle building!
Gregory Smith
Overcame several maladies including plantar fasciitis
I was about to turn eighty years old and I knew that I had to do something if I wanted to go out with a strong body and healthy mind. Ironically, I received an email from an herb company that I believed in and one from whom I was purchasing a memory enhancer product. It was an offer of a 5 day class for free to evaluate the parts of my body and to look at exercises I could do to improve them. I was especially interested because I was experiencing plantar fasciitis. That was the beginning of my relationship with Fitness Doctor VIP. It's 15 months later and I'm still doing 4 exercise classes a week and have overcome several maladies including plantar fasciitis. I particularly appreciate the Question and Answer Period, after each Fitness Doctor class, where we participants may ask for additional exercises for specific aches and pains, and ask questions about how to do the exercises, especially the new ones. It is overseen by physical/occupational therapists who are well trained not only in your body's needs, they are also trained in communicating with kindness and clarity, so it is very safe to ask them questions and to ask for help. The icing on the cake is the video you receive after each class explaining/showing you what you did well and what specific body parts need to be placed differently. If you are 50 years or older, I would highly recommend you give The Fitness Doctor’s VIP program a try. You’ll improve your muscles and flexibility and balance the more you do the exercises. Lots of love, Linda
Linda White
Given me great confidence and stability
Recommend The Fitness Doctor’s VIP program unreservedly. I am 52 yrs old and able-bodied, but could not get on a regular exercise routine and was not confident I could move safely on more extreme adventures. This program has resolved both of these issues for me. The systematic restructuring of how I align and support myself has given me great confidence and stability to engage whatever the day brings. And make no mistake; the feedback videos of you exercising will make you want to keep showing up! Progress can be felt & seen quickly. You won’t regret this investment ♥️
KG W
Stronger and more flexible
I was looking for a program without going to the gym. When I watched the full body fix, I saw a much better approach than what I was doing at the gym. My VIP experience has been great. With clear instruction and support, I feel my body is getting stronger and more flexible. This has made my hiking experiences more enjoyable because I'm more in touch with my body. Advice to new folks- Go at your own pace and focus on alignment and body proprioception.
Rudi Lambrechtse
Fun and motivating
As a fitness professional, I scan the web to see what is out there and how things are changing in the fitness arena. I happened upon Robbie Stahl's site and found a free 5-day training. I was impressed! Not only does he know his stuff, he knows how to teach it!!!! I was excited to join as a VIP. The setup and classes are online and you can choose the days and times that work in your schedule. After the workout, you are sent a clip of yourself with tips on what you did correctly and what needs a little more work. It is fun and motivating. To top it off he has the best guest speakers I have seen anywhere. It is worth your time and money to stay fit, and independent for the rest of your journey.
Betsy Dyson
Amazing personalized support
My husband and I enjoy an active life; and as we age, I've been concerned about my husband's posture, and my loss of muscle tone, flexibility and balance. Robbie's Body Fix event email piqued my interest. We attended the 5-day event and were impressed by Robbie's knowledge and unique approach to fitness. It's been almost a year, and I can say that the VIP program has surpassed our expectations. Robbie’s contagious enthusiasm makes the training sessions fun, the program is thoroughly crafted, providing options that meet you at your current fitness level and offering ways to progress and conquer on more advanced progressions. The amazing support from the Fitness Doctor team of professionals during the group's Q&A after each session and the personal feedback we receive afterwards are instrumental in understanding our bodies and how to effectively perform the exercises, overcoming fitness obstacles, getting stronger, more flexible, balanced and assuring that we can keep enjoying this active life for years to come.
Sandra Belozercovsky
Felt great and no fatigue on 7 mile hike!
I am 70 yrs and have only rave reviews for this program. My background is in Kinesiology (theory of human movement) yet 40 years of being a dentist has caused a postural issue as well as shoulder impingement. I love how Robbie is very specific and conscientious with incorporating the mechanics and reasons behind his strategy. I recently went on a 7 mile hike up and down and just remembered to activate my core, use heel toe action with my feet and pull my shoulder blades down. Amazing that I felt great and had no real fatigue. Go Fitness Doctor!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Suzan Hahn
Highly recommend for anyone over 50
I found the Full Body Fix about 10 months ago and decided that a kick start to re-start my exercising would be a good thing. In particular I liked the idea of being part of a community appealed and the other big draw for me was that I would be trained for great posture and mobility, something I'd never had in my life. It's been challenging but very rewarding and I really recommend it to anyone who's over 50 and eligible, I feel a good deal stronger and know so much more about how to move my body safely and improve its capabilities to age well and keep well. Lots of love, Andrew Riddle, UK.
Andrew Riddle
No longer struggle with physical activity
This is a life changer. In this program we are educated about how the body works from this fabulous team of loving, highly experienced and knowledgable people. As a result I have changed how I hold myself, have more flexibility and confidence, and have become much stronger. I began three years ago at age 72 - sedentary since Covid and although pre covid, I was active, I lacked the feedback to make real changes in how I performed in yoga and exercise classes. The feedback from this team has shown me how to correct postural issues, and how to improve how I use my body, thus avoiding injury. I see others my age struggling with physical activity that is not an issue for me any longer. I am forever grateful that I responded to Robbie's invitation to join the VIP family. It remains a key part of my life and I expect it to for many years.
Laina Clugston
