Better Feet Bulletin

Japanese Podiatrist Exposes the Hidden Cause of Chronic Foot Pain — And the Natural Way to Fix It

A 35-year neurologist from Kyoto shares a breakthrough solution that reduces pain, improves mobility and circulation, and restores natural movement — without pills or surgery.

By Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka | February 12, 2025 | 10:35 am EST

My name is Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka. For over 35 years, I’ve helped patients manage chronic nerve pain, inflammation, and mobility issues in Kyoto, Japan.

In recent years, I’ve seen a rising number of patients suffering from swollen feet, painful walking, nerve damage, and poor balance.

Most have tried cushioned orthopedic shoes, pills, or even surgery — but nothing worked long-term.

What I found is that the true solution isn’t new. In fact, it’s something our ancestors did every day — barefoot walking.

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The power of our feet

Tackling my patients’ pain is deceptively simple, and is rooted in ancient tradition that has been nearly forgotten in our modern age. Ancient samurai warriors and monks understood the power of staying close to the earth, practicing Hadashi no Michi – The Barefoot Path.

‍ Many temples across Japan feature special stone-paved paths where visitors are invited to walk barefoot. Hadashi no Michi is a cleansing experience that grounds you to nature and stimulates the soles of your feet, improving circulation, balance and strengthening underused muscles.

‍For years, I have advised my patients to embrace this ancient tradition of walking barefoot to treat their chronic pain. Of course, in the modern world, going barefoot for long periods is impractical due to hazards like hot asphalt and broken glass. That’s why I was fascinated when I discovered Hike Footwear – a company that has successfully merged ancient Japanese wisdom with modern technologies and materials to create a revolutionary solution for those experiencing chronic foot pain.

The Science Behind Barefoot Walking

When we wear conventional shoes, our feet are confined, compressed and disconnected from their surroundings. While the extra padding and arch support may feel comfortable, over time, it leads to weakening of the muscles in your feet, impaired circulation, and neuropathy – conditions I’ve treated in countless patients.

‍Barefoot walking, on the other hand, restores the body’s natural alignment, stimulating thousands of dormant nerve endings in the feet, and restoring neural pathways that send critical signals to the brain.

This, in turn, improves balance, circulation, and reduces pain. Many Japanese people still practice shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, walking barefoot in nature as a therapeutic practice to combat stress and reduce inflammation.

Hike Footwear: Merging Ancient Wisdom And Modern Materials

To make the benefits of barefoot walking more accessible to all, Hike Footwear have engineered a shoe designed to imitate the feeling of wearing no shoes at all. Hike’s signature HF Cloud model allows for natural foot movement, shielding against hazards while delivering the same grounding benefits as barefoot walking.

1. Enhanced sensory feedback
‍Instead of placing heavy padding between your feet from the ground you walk on, barefoot shoes allow you greater ground sensation and awareness of the environment beneath your feet. This helps provide feedback to your brain, retraining the nerves in your feet and restoring your damaged neural pathways.
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2. Restoring natural movement of your feet
‍Designed to imitate the feeling of wearing no shoes at all, Hike’s signature HF Cloud model is engineered to be super lightweight, constructed out of breathable, flexible materials, with a wide toe box to allow total freedom of movement. The natural movement strengthens the muscles in your feet, reducing discomfort and helping you stay on your feet for longer.
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3. Improving blood circulation
‍As opposed to conventional shoes, barefoot shoes don’t constrict your feet, even after a long day of walking. This means that blood flow to your feet and toes is increased, feeding your nerve tissues and reducing your neuropathy symptoms.
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4. Reducing pain and pressure
‍More often than not, traditional shoes have a tendency to pinch, create pressure points and friction. This can lead to discomfort, as well as painful blisters, ingrown toenails and other conditions – the last thing you need when you’re already struggling. Barefoot shoes are designed to evenly distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing pressure on sensitive areas and helping you feel lighter on your feet, all day long.
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5. They promote long-term weight loss: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing edema and leg swelling.
‍Being overweight puts pressure on your veins and arteries and damages your lymphatic system, the mechanism by which toxins are removed from your body. This, in turn, causes fluid build-up and swelling. HF Cloud barefoot shoes help you lose weight easily, by alleviating pressure and making it easier to live an active lifestyle.
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How Barefoot Shoes Have Changed My Patients’ Lives For The Better since I started recommending Hike Footwear to my patients, I’ve witnessed some remarkable transformations.

One of my patients, a 67 year old man suffering from diabetic neuropathy, experienced a significant reduction in foot numbness and pain within a few weeks of switching to the HF Cloud.

Another patient, a woman suffering from persistent leg swelling, was able to lose 15 pounds in a matter of weeks thanks to reduced swelling and discomfort when walking.

Take Your First Step Towards Pain-Free Living

For a limited time, I’ve secured an exclusive discount for my readers on your first pair of Hike barefoot shoes: you can purchase a pair for just $74.99, instead of the standard price of $100, and benefit from free shipping too.

‍Even better, if you buy 2 or 3 pairs, you can reduce the price to as low as $59.96 per pair.There’s absolutely no risk to finding out whether barefoot shoes are right for you: Hike offers a 100% no-questions-asked guarantee within 30 days of purchase.

Japanese tradition teaches us that “A strong tree begins with deep roots” – healing starts by returning to nature. Hike’s HF Cloud are more than just a shoe – they’re a gateway to restoring your body’s natural balance, reducing pain and reconnecting with the earth. As a neurologist, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing people suffer from chronic pain when a simple change could make all the difference. I’ve seen countless patients’ lives transformed by making the switch to barefoot shoes, and I encourage you to give them a try too.

How To Get The Best Results For Your Feet At The Best Price Possible! (And FREE Shipping!)

Right now, the Hike Footwear HF Cloud Barefoot Shoes are ONLY available on the brand's website.
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⚠️ We're offering a special introductory limited-time offer with a massive discount of over 50% off.

Step 1: Order your HF Cloud Barefoot Shoes today to secure a 50% discount (while supplies last).
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Step 2: Once your Hike Footwear arrives, take a couple of days to get used to these shoes.
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Step 3: Wear your HF Cloud Barefoot Shoes from Hike Footwear all day for lasting comfort, support, and an enhanced hiking experience. Enjoy every step while discomfort disappears.
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Helpful Hint: If you have an outdoor enthusiast in your life, consider giving these as a gift - the gift of comfort, support, and the freedom to explore nature to the fullest. They deserve the best gear for their hiking adventures.

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