Walking barefoot strengthens and tones foot muscles, improves balance, corrects flat feet, and reduces stress. However, walking barefoot in public can be dangerous due to debris and risk of infection. Walking barefoot at home is beneficial, but one should ensure clean and safe areas.
While shoes are designed to help the foot mimic a natural walking motion, only walking barefoot can achieve truly natural motion. Walking barefoot, whether at home or in other settings, can help strengthen the foot, straighten and tone the bones and muscles of the foot, and help develop new muscles in the foot. Getting into the habit of walking barefoot around the home can even help relieve stress and regulate body temperature, especially in hot conditions. By walking more naturally and improving foot movement, balance can also be improved and, in some cases, correct flat feet.
However, walking barefoot in public can be dangerous, as there is more debris on sidewalks and other public areas. The foot is directly exposed to such debris, and one can be injured after stepping on something sharp. The injury is then at risk of infection, so walking barefoot in public may not be the best idea, especially for someone new to the practice who hasn’t developed protective calluses on their feet. Even walking around the house barefoot poses risks, so one should ensure that they only walk in relatively clean and safe areas, if possible, and wash their feet regularly.
The benefits of walking barefoot are significant enough to make the risks worth it, at least in the home. The barefoot walking motion encourages more movement between the muscles of the foot, which helps more blood circulate through the foot, ankle, and lower legs. Muscles not regularly used when wearing a shoe begin to flex and strengthen, which can improve balance and body alignment. Walking barefoot can further help correct poor posture, a limp, and other ailments by promoting proper walking mechanics. The body will essentially realign itself and help the legs move more naturally.
Walking barefoot can also help improve agility and reduce stress. More muscles start working to stabilize the body when walking barefoot, which means there are more muscles to help propel the body in different directions quickly. The mind often associates walking barefoot with relaxation, as most people only regularly go barefoot during periods of relaxation. The foot becomes more sensitive to textures, which means that pleasant textures, like cool grass or a soft carpet, can help relax the mind and calm the body. Walking barefoot also reduces pain in the feet and ankles, which means that the body has less pain to concentrate and more pleasant sensations.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
