Inclined soles are a sub-category of footwear where shoes featuring the design invert the position of the heel relative to the position of the toes. Traditional footwear features a neutral heel or raised heel. Inclined soles reduce the thickness of the heel relative to the arch and toes so that one's heel actually sits below their toes, and the toes fan out into a more relaxed position in the forefoot of the shoe. Inclined soles are reputed to have a variety of health benefits as they promote the re-positioning of one's center of gravity away from their toes and onto their heels.[attribution needed] Such health benefits include better posture, better alignment of spine and pelvis, and better overall breathing dynamics. Inclined soles have also received notoriety in performance circles as their design has been esteemed as a training vehicle to encourage more proficient leaping and springing.
