I suspect a lot of the problem population-wise comes from wearing shoes that aren't shaped like feet - so we end up with feet that are shaped like stylish shoes. What could possibly go wrong?
Agreed on a wide toe box (very much not the same thing as a 'wide' shoe - as those are wide across the ball, not the toe) being a non-negotiable. I've a mixed opinion on zero-drop as I find I do a bit better with a couple of mm drop if I'm rucking with any amount of weight (typically irregular terrain) but zero is perfect for my day-to-day. I also like Xero and Altra shoes. I find the Altra trail runners a bit too 'bouncy', but without the removable insoles they're about perfect - *for me*, a guy who wears a size 12.5 and has been barefoot/sockfoot for more than a decade.
I'll add those exercises to my daily 'toe yoga' - thanks!