TREAT YOUR FEET

Running in minimalist shoes builds stronger feet, says a new study from Hong Kong. The researchers found the volume of the intrinsic foot muscles – important arch stabilisers that are also called the ‘foot core’ – increased by 8.8 per cent in six months in runners assigned to minimalist footwear. A control group, using traditional running shoes, experienced no improvement in foot musculature. However, it’s important that you transition gradually to minimalist shoes: the study subjects were given exercises and advice to help them make the shift.