Barefoot and the benefits of barefoot walking

Many of us live in cities where going barefoot is not quite the best choice, because there are lots of dirty and sharp things lying on the ground that we would not want to step on, and hot asphalt or paving stones on the sidewalk are not exactly great either. A way to walk barefoot is with so-called barefoot shoes. In this article, you will find out why it is great to walk barefoot and what barefoot shoes are.

Why walk barefoot

Natural foot massage

Barefoot walking is great for strengthening the muscles in your feet, and your feet also get to rest beautifully, because they are no longer cramped. There are many reflex points on the soles of the feet, and when they are massaged by walking on uneven surfaces, you immediately feel as if you had been to a massage, beautifully relaxed.

Connection with nature

For many people, a walk on grass or sand is very energizing. It can improve blood circulation, strengthen immunity, relieve anxiety and stress, and help clear your head. Thanks to the direct contact of the sole with all kinds of natural surfaces, you will think of different things and it will nicely ground you.

Natural pedicure

Walking barefoot can beautifully remove dead skin, because the friction of the sole against the surface works similarly to a pumice stone. So in summer, you can save money on pedicure services.

Strengthening the arch of the foot

When the arch of the foot is supported, it may be pleasant, but the foot becomes passive and the muscles tend to weaken. It is then necessary to support the arch in every pair of shoes. A better option is foot exercises, which will help the arch get fit again, and walking barefoot whenever possible will also benefit your feet. The arch will gradually begin to rise and work actively.

Better posture and no headaches or back pain

We do not even realize it, but our feet carry us throughout our entire lives, so we should care for them with love. The position of the ankles and hips is also connected to the feet. For example, when wearing high-heeled shoes, whether stilettos or a smaller wedge, the body’s entire center of gravity changes, and this also affects the position of the spine and the forward head posture. It all starts with the feet. Improper footwear can cause back pain and headaches.

No more bunions

Shoes with a narrow toe box can affect the position of the big toe, which can then lead to bunion formation. Foot exercises and walking barefoot help with bunions, and even though it will be a long-distance run, it is definitely worth it.

What are barefoot shoes

As we mentioned in the introduction to the article, going barefoot is not quite the best choice in cities. (Yes, barefoot walkers might argue that it is fine even in the city, but that is up to each of us and what we feel comfortable with.) For us, the ideal solution is to get barefoot shoes. In translation, barefoot means bare foot. These are shoes that protect us from the surface we walk on thanks to the sole, but on the other hand, their sole is very flexible and thin, so the foot feels as if it were barefoot. They also do not have a pointed toe, so they do not squeeze the toes. On the contrary, the toes have plenty of room and can engage while walking as needed.

Today, barefoot shoes can be bought as sandals, ballet flats, sports shoes, formal shoes, winter shoes, and hiking shoes. A specialty is also fivefingers, or five-toe shoes, in which each toe has its own space, like finger gloves on your hands. Today’s barefoot shoes are beautifully designed, and people around you often will not notice that you are not wearing conventional shoes.

A great alternative to barefoot shoes is the so-called Skinners sock shoes. They are very light and compact. You can wear them both in nature and in the city. They are sold in various colors, for adults as well as children. They are cheaper than classic barefoot shoes, and you can try them as your first shoes when switching from conventional ones.

Slowly, do not rush

If barefoot shoes do not appeal to you, then you will certainly do your feet good by walking barefoot whenever possible. At home without socks, outside on a meadow or in the garden, in the sand on the beach, or you can even try light gravel or soil. At first, it may be very uncomfortable for you, because your feet will be sensitive to any unevenness. With regular exercise and barefoot walking, the feet will strengthen and become more resilient. So you do not have to replace all your shoes right away; that is not even desirable if your feet are not used to it.

At first, it is enough to take off your shoes regularly and spend a few minutes a day doing foot exercises. Then you can get one pair of barefoot shoes and discover the magic of barefoot walking. You will see that gradually your old shoes will feel too narrow and uncomfortable.