Is barefoot better?

With an overwhelming array of orthopedic and foot related products, it can be difficult to discern what is best for your comfort and health. 

Could it be that we are now back to basics, and going barefoot is actually better?

Of course, we can’t walk around in bare feet all the time (don’t forget the “No Shirt, No Shoes” rule). But what if there was a shoe that gave you all of the benefits of being barefoot with none of the hazards… and social embarrassment?

Cue the Barefoot shoe.

Otherwise known as the “minimalist shoe”, this shoe allows your foot to spread out and move naturally due to its wide toe area and zero cushioning. In other words, it lets your foot move as a foot should! 

Did you know that there are 26 bones in each foot alone? 

There are also many muscles, joints, and ligaments that work hard in your feet to stabilize your body. With Barefoot shoes allowing your feet to move naturally, these structures in your feet are also strengthening. 

With that in mind, let’s dive into 5 reasons why wearing Barefoot shoes, or simply being barefoot more often, is better for your health! 

Improved foot strength

Our feet are flexible. Allowing for them to move fluidly and adapt to the contours of nature will work muscles that haven’t been worked in a long time, if ever. 

Improved arch

Having little to no arch is very common. These people are usually encouraged to wear orthotic or highly arched shoes. With this external support, your muscles aren’t working to support themselves. 

Allowing your feet to strengthen and support your body naturally will also improve your arch.

Prevent deformity 

While genetics do play a role, women in general are susceptible to ailments, such as bunions, as they get older. 

Wearing high heels also can have a negative impact on our feet. Over long periods of time, our bones can shift and actually become misaligned. If you wear high heels everyday, you may notice your big toe has shifted over time to compensate for the tight fit of the shoe. 

Calluses also form to protect our feet, however in modern times, these are often formed due to ill fitting shoes. Opting for a Barefoot shoe will prevent this, as they protect your feet without constricting them uncomfortably.

Improved balance

Shoes with thick soles can actually impede our balance! Not feeling the ground properly can interfere with signals sent to the brain telling us how to move our legs, hips, and torso. 

Increased awareness of your surroundings

Feeling your feet on the ground can, indeed, make you feel more grounded and connected to your surroundings. 

Imagine going for a walk in the forest. You hear the birds chirping and the branches rustling. You feel the gentle breeze on your face and maybe some hair tickling your cheek. Now, imagine you’re able to feel every root, twig, and pebble beneath your feet as you trek along the underbrush. Pretty nice, right?

Activities such as forest bathing can be amplified by these barefoot sensations. With all the nerve endings on our feet, it’s a pleasure to feel them activated while we connect with nature.

There’s a reason babies learn to walk barefoot first! With the expertly crafted extremities, it’s a shame to confine them to a clunky shoe.

Did you learn something new about feet? If you decide to opt for a Barefoot shoe, or perhaps simply to go barefoot around the house more often, let me know what you notice! The brand of Barefoot shoe I wear is Vivobarefoot. I’ve had them for several years now and love them! There may be some discomfort at the beginning, but like most new health ventures, you will reap the benefits by sticking with it.

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