By: K. Foster

When we think about wellness, most of the conversation centers around what we eat, how we move, or how well we sleep. We invest in skincare routines, meditation apps, supplements, and workout plans. Yet an essential element of daily well-being is often the most overlooked: our shoes.

We spend hours every day on our feet: walking, standing, commuting, running errands, traveling, and caring for others. What we wear on our feet doesn’t just affect comfort in the moment; it plays a significant role in posture, balance, energy levels, and long-term joint health. That’s where Naot comes in.

Known for its thoughtful craftsmanship and reputation for comfort, Naot has built its philosophy around a simple idea: wellness truly starts from the ground up. Rather than treating shoes as accessories, the brand designs them as everyday tools that support the body’s natural movement.

At the heart of every Naot shoe is its anatomically engineered cork-and-latex footbed. Unlike flat or overly rigid soles, the footbed is designed to support the natural contours of the foot while evenly distributing weight. This helps absorb shock and reduce strain on the feet, knees, hips, and lower back, areas where discomfort often builds up over time.

Photo Courtesy: Naot

What makes the design especially unique is that the footbed subtly adapts with wear. Over time, it molds to the individual foot, creating a fit that feels increasingly personal and supportive.

“Your feet are your foundation,” says Dr. Susan Eisen, a New York–based chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner. “When the feet are properly supported, there’s a ripple effect throughout the entire body. Alignment improves, strain is reduced, and people often notice less fatigue by the end of the day.”

In her practice, Dr. Eisen frequently sees patients whose pain doesn’t begin where they expect it to. “Many chronic aches, especially in the back, hips, or knees, can be traced back to instability in the foot,” she explains. “If the foot isn’t supported correctly, the body compensates. Over time, that compensation can lead to discomfort and imbalance.”

For many women, finding supportive shoes often means sacrificing style or saving comfortable footwear for home while enduring unsupportive shoes during busy days. Naot challenges that trade-off.

Photo Courtesy: Naot

The brand is known for clean, modern silhouettes that fit easily into everyday life, whether you’re heading to work, traveling, or spending long days on your feet. The goal isn’t flashy trends, but wearable, timeless designs that pair with anything.

“One of the biggest challenges with wellness is consistency,” Dr. Eisen says. “People might wear supportive shoes in the house, then switch to something unsupportive when they go out. When shoes are both comfortable and attractive, that inconsistency disappears.”

Wellness isn’t only about how we feel; it’s also about how we consume. Naot emphasizes durability and ethical production, creating shoes designed to last longer than a single season.

“Supportive shoes only help if they hold their structure over time,” Dr. Eisen notes. “When shoes break down quickly, they stop doing their job. Durability is better for the body, and better for the environment.”

As wellness moves away from quick fixes and toward everyday habits, footwear is finally getting the attention it deserves. Comfort is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

By combining thoughtful design, long-term support, and real-world wearability, Naot reminds us that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with simply choosing shoes that support you, step by step.

Because when your feet feel good, everything else tends to follow.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The claims regarding the benefits of Naot shoes are based on customer feedback and expert opinions. Individual experiences may vary, and it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your footwear for health-related reasons.