My feet and I have been through a lot of miles, injuries and solutions. I have a couple mechanical issues with my feet that be cured, barring rearranging my skeleton. I might need certain features in my shoes, and I might need orthotics, I definitely need strong feet. I’ve been to Orthopedists and Podiatrists, I’ve had prescription orthotics. I have been to physical therapy. I have gotten some benefit from all of these options, but the biggest improvements I’ve seen are from stronger feet.
One of the most efficient methods I’ve found to improve my foot strength is the ToePro. I first heard about the ToePro on Tina Muir’s ‘Running for Real’ podcast. I go back and forth about the podcast in general. Tina Muir has had an amazing running career and shares an important message about her experiences with amenorrhea. She has an interesting podcast, but I skip the episodes that concentrate on her sponsors because they seem a bit skewed. Some of her guests are really amazing.
I really enjoyed the episode with Dr. Tom Michaud. Dr. Michaud is a sports medicine chiropractor. I have mixed feelings about chiropractors and even went to see one once (but decided against adjustments). I was really taken with what he said in the episode and his logic really spoke to me.
One of the things he talked about on the show and on his website is an exercise tool to help with muscle strength in your feet and ankles needed for pushing off the ground. I really only exercise those muscles when I’m running. They don’t get much of a workout at my desk job, when I’m reading, sewing, or my other sedentary hobbies. I checked out the ToePro and decided to give it a shot.
The documentation and videos on the website are really helpful. When I first got the device I was surprised how challenging it was to use. You can really feel it working your feet, ankles, and calves. I started using the ToePro just about every day. A couple months later I transitioned to some zero drop Altra shoes, and I was pleasantly surprised to have minimal discomfort (even without orthotics). I kept up the ToePro exercises through a marathon training cycle and felt great. Six months later I trained for another marathon and was much less consistent with the ToePro, and my feet let me know they did not appreciate it. I know that’s not much evidence, but I’m back to my ToePro routine.
The ToePro is $49.99, which for me is no small investment. For me it’s been worth it!