The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether different foot-strengthening strategies can improve foot strength, balance, walking ability, and fall-related outcomes in middle-aged and older adults (ages 45-85 years).
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does foot strength change from baseline after an 8-week foot-strengthening intervention?
* Do balance, gait, and physical function improve following different foot-strengthening approaches?
Researchers will compare minimalist footwear use, a foot exercise program, a foot-strengthening device (ToePro), and no intervention to see if these interventions lead to greater improvements in foot strength, balance, gait, and fall-related outcomes than no intervention.
Participants will:
* Complete baseline and post-intervention laboratory testing of foot strength, balance, physical function, and walking gait
* Perform foot strengthening exercises or wear minimalist footwear (if applicable) five days/week for eight weeks
* Complete daily logs to record intervention compliance