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Too often a low toe box will deny the ability to flex the ankle and then one’s gait is compromised. The toe box in this shoe is at an appropriate angle.

A Sound Farrier Needs Proper Fitting Shoes

Incorrectly sized footgear fails to support your back, hips and joints

Editorial note: This is the second in a three-part series in which human and equine chiropractor Patricia Bona explores the significance of proper shoe fit and how to achieve it.

Part 1: Footcare Fit for a Farrier
Part 3: A Shoe Fit for a Farrier

Few professions can compare the physical strength and prowess needed to stay physically sound as a farrier. You bend, lift and twist all day, often with your head at the level of your hips. All the while you are handling and being handled by a sizable animal with a mind of its own and under environmental variables of temperature, footing and lighting, as well as a third person, if you have a handler. The last thing you need is to have your feet weigh you down and trip you up.

A study by the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research in 2018 found that 63 to 72% of the population are wearing the wrong size shoe, most often too short, but also oftentimes too narrow. Odds are high that you are in the 63-70%. But how does this happen?

Farrier Takeaways

  • In shoes that fit appropriately, your toes should be free to spread apart to be able to articulate and feel the center of gravity of body to the ground.
  • Without propulsion for the foot and ankle (intrinsic foot and calf muscles) you will overuse your hip flexors and compromise your back and hips.
  • Proper fitting shoes allow your foot and ankle to function dynamically…
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Pat bona 2018

Dr. Patricia Bona

Dr. Patricia Bona, D.C. is a chiropractor for humans and animals (AVCA Certified since 1994), the co-founder of Broad Axe Chiropractic Center and inventor of the Posture Prep Cross Fiber Grooming system for horses. She has also spoken at such events as the International Hoof-Care Summit and Equine Affaire. Visit her at drpatbona.com.

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