Flat feet: what I would do 30 days before surgery

I didn’t know that flat feet get fitted with struts.

I thought that struts were something for construction workers.

Last week I ran into an old friend from school. We had breakfast together. Nice guy, always in a good mood.

I greet him and see his foot inside a plastic boot. Crutches included.

- Miguel, what happened to you?

- I couldn’t take it anymore. I’ve been living in constant pain. My feet turn inward, they’re flat… and I had surgery.

- What did they do to you?

- They put in some struts, he tells me. Screws to lift my foot.

I look at the other foot.

I see he’s wearing a narrow-style sneaker.

Those soft ones, with a thick sole and a pointed toe.

And of course: if you have flat feet and wear something high, soft, and narrow… the ankle collapses.

The perfect recipe for instability:

• Soft sole.

• Thick sole.

• Drop.

• Narrow last.

Result?

Your foot can’t feel, can’t grip, can’t control.

And the solution is to put in struts?

Without giving it the chance to heal on its own.

Spending more time barefoot. More stimulus. More intrinsic strength.

And you might think: “Yeah, that’s nice, but it hurts. I even wear flip-flops in the shower.”

Seriously.

Well then. If you’re the type who wears shoes even in the shower, I’ve got a model you’ll like. Not because it can get wet, but because it helps strengthen your feet little by little.

They’re called Mustang Free and come with two insoles:

One 100% barefoot (flat).

Another with a slight drop to make the transition smoother if you feel tightness in the back.

Plus, the shape of the sole gives you more stability—something you’ll appreciate if you have flat or weak feet.

The models?

• Mustang Free Apolo (women)

• Mustang Free Lisboa (men)

Don’t be fooled by the shape of the sole: they’re pure barefoot shoes. Zero drop, 5 mm sole for ground feel, and a wide toe box so your toes can spread.

With these shoes you’ll build strength in your feet, and—who knows—maybe you’ll avoid surgery and the recovery that comes with it.

I’m not your podiatrist, but I am your barefoot conscience.

Let your foot work before bolting it down. If it doesn’t work, there’s always time for “struts.”

That’s all.

Remember.

Health starts in your feet.

Efectiviwonder.

Antonio Caballo.

P.S. 1. How to start (quickly and simply):

1. Use them for short daily periods (10–15 min) and increase gradually.

2. Walk on varied surfaces (not just flat).

3. Do 3 simple exercises: toe gripping, arch lifts, and walk barefoot as much as possible—always barefoot at home.

Start today with 10–15 min. If in 30 days you don’t feel anything… go back to what you were doing. But give your feet a chance.

P.S. 2. Quick objections:

“But my heel hurts.” > Start with the slightly dropped insole for a few days and then lower it.

“And for daily use?” > Exactly: city, walking, errands, standing work… that’s where they get stronger.

“And if I have orthotics?” > Talk to your specialist and transition sensibly. Barefoot isn’t all or nothing.