Functional Footwear Mailer #011: Sizing and The Turriff Anatomical Comfort last.
Pre-Orders opens December 26th. First 150 orders of shoes will receive a handcrafted Turriff leather key fob.
A quick note on Turriff sizing
Before ordering please take a moment to review our sizing recommendations (found below the shoe specifications on the Shop page or on the Last and Fit page. For the most accurate fit, I recommend going through the sizing exercise outlined on the Last and Fit page, then comparing your measurements with those from our lasts. If you have any sizing questions please feel free to ask anything and send in you measurements.
Turriff Footwear is designed for both men and women, but sizing comparison is based on men's Brannock device measurements. Be sure to convert your womens sizing to mens when choosing your size and remember when comparing sizes, shoe sizing can differ between brands.
The Turriff Anatomical Comfort Last
The Turriff Footwear mission is simple: to create well-rounded, better footwear. Whether you're a city dweller or a weekend outdoor adventurer, Turriff footwear creates shoes that serve as a daily tool, allowing your feet to function as nature intended.
The foundation of footwear design is the last. The last is a stylized form that creates the shape and size of the shoe. Over the past few thousand years of shoemaking the form of shoes has deviated from the natural foot shape and function. My background in 3D sculpture, custom shoemaking, and orthopaedic footwear uniquely positioned me to design a last that is both anatomically correct and aesthetically pleasing, offering a more universal fit to accommodate the diverse range of human foot shapes. This last celebrates the intricate design of the human foot, empowering wearers to move comfortably and discreetly in a world dominated by narrow-toed shoes.
Unlike conventional lasts, the Turriff Anatomical Comfort last features a wide toe box, no heel raise, and minimal toe spring (a convex curve built into the underside of the last, designed to reduce the foot's mechanical effort during walking).
As Turriff Footwear has evolved, so too has the last. The latest iteration is a boot last, allowing for versatility and expansion into boots, which are currently making their way through factory development.
Remember to visit the website to learn more about the shoes and see all the glorious specs and details on the shop page.
Check out the Turriff Instagram for photos, videos and outdoor comfort style inspiration!
If you’re a new subscriber please take a look back at the old newsletter posts to follow along the development process.
Some benefits of anatomically designed footwear
Yes natural wide toe shoes look awesome! But did you know that they also offer a range of potential benefits:
*Remember there may be an adjustment period when wearing minimal footwear as your feet re-adjust and begin working for themselves.
Below you’ll find some of the benefits you gain from wearing Anatomical Wide toe box, flat soled, zero-drop shoes:
Improve Foot Strength and Flexibility:
Reduced Foot Pain: By alleviating pressure on the toes, they can help reduce pain associated with conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia.
Enhanced Circulation: A wider toe box promotes better blood flow, reducing swelling and discomfort. Excellent for long days in shoes and on your feet.
Stronger Foot Muscles: The increased space allows for better muscle engagement, leading to stronger and more flexible feet.
Improved Balance and Stability: A wider base of support enhances balance and stability, especially important for activities like hiking or running.
Enhanced Balance and Proprioception:
The flat sole design improves sensory feedback from the ground, enhancing balance and coordination.
Can help reduce the risk of injuries, especially for those who participate in activities that require agility and balance.
Better Posture and Alignment:
Promotes a more natural alignment of the spine and joints. Improved mechanics can help alleviate back and joint pain as well as other musculoskeletal issues.
Allow Natural Foot Function: Wide toe box shoes allow your feet to function more naturally, promoting a healthier gait.
Reduced Impact on Joints:
The flat sole design distributes impact forces more evenly across the foot, reducing stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips.
Improved Running and fast paced Hiking Form:
Encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike, which can be more efficient and less stressful on the body.
Can help reduce the risk of common running injuries like shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
Increased Comfort: The extra space allows your toes to spread naturally, reducing discomfort and preventing foot fatigue.