An article of foot apparel includes a platform curved to anticipate the natural movement of a foot. The article also includes a heel pad having a geometric center point; a retaining covering connected to the platform and configured to retain a foot at the front of the platform and to allow the heel of the foot to move freely. A substantial angle is created at the point of intersection of a line passing through the geometric center point of the heel pad and the center line of the retaining covering. The article of foot apparel conforms more closely to the actual physiology of the foot and allows the heel of the foot to remain centered in the heel pad when worn.