Benefits of Going Barefoot
As we look to warmer weather and summer months, we start looking at our summer shoes. Sandals and flops right? Well maybe; depends on which ones (a discussion for another day). Modern marketing has generated the narrative that our feet “need” support or cushion. The idea that you feel your feet at the end of the day must mean something is wrong! The reality is this notion couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The foot is made up of some of our most vital structures for both dynamic mobility AND strength/stability. We have a triangle of 26 bones connected by 3 arches and a total of 33 joints (each foot). We use triangles and arches in building bridges… Why? A triangle is the most stable simple structure, while an arch is the most dynamically stable while also being mobile.
Additionally, we have as many (if not more) sensory cells on the bottoms of our feet as we have on the palms of our hands (approximately 200,000 each). We need the sensory for our hands for daily activities: writing, typing, eating, driving, using keys/locks, etc etc. But somehow we’ve been convinced by shoe companies (and a lot of old school Podiatrists/Orthos/PT’s) that the sensation from our feet is LESS important and should be coddled or suppressed.
Instead, we should be fostering this sensory input. By connecting to the ground and feeling pressure, we know where our feet our in space. Which helps us to know where our weight is (forward/backward, left/right, inside/outside). This results in balance and stability through our whole system. Giving the brain feedback from this one area means the REST of our body can function more efficiently.
Then there is the idea of grounding. Yes some find this “hokey”, but the truth is everything on earth is made up of ions. Ions are either positively or negatively charged. In an ideal world, our bodies hold a neutral charge (equal number of positive and negative electrons). But in today’s electronic world, we come into contact with a LOT more ions and often end up with an unbalanced charge. The rubber from shoes stops this current from moving out of our bodies, trapping it inside. Grounding to the earth’s natural charge means we allow ions to keep moving and balance the positive/negative charges. The outcome? Less anxiety, less stress, better sleep, improved circulation, decreased nervous system reactivity and more.
So the reasons to go barefoot are plenty. But to summarize, here are 5 REASONS:
Stimulate Nervous System: We have approx 200,000 nerve endings per foot! Varied textures and surfaces help the brain to integrate feedback, which is vital for balance, pain control and muscular activation.
Improves Mobility & Strength: We have 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 ligaments/tendons per foot (1/4 of our body’s bones between both feet!) Modern shoes are rigid and constricting, limiting NATURAL mechanics such as Pronation & Supination. Improper/Non-Anatomical alignment also inhibits the foot muscles (19 per foot, not including lower leg!) Our feet need to move to function and be strong.
Improve Balance & Posture: Most modern shoes have an elevated heel, changing the resting position of your entire body. Pressure points offer direct feedback on where the body is in space, improving the muscular system’s ability to react and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
Reduces Stress & Improves Sleep: By stimulating the nervous system via Touch & Pressure, we can stimulate the “Parasympathetic” portion, which helps to calm the body and brain. The natural transfer of electrical charges (Protons/Electrons) to help neutralize “wiring” in your brain and other systems.
Improved Efficiency of Movement: Put all this together and your system can move with fluidity and the ability to shift loads throughout the whole body. Being able to feel your pressure points allows your body to shift load and generate better adjustments. Reduced impact on heel through use of whole leg/muscle system and natural Pronation to absorb load means less stress on other joints. We also have improved push off by allowing Supination and use of Great Toe (impeded by rigid/narrow shoes).
Now, if you’ve not spent much (or any) time barefoot in recent years (decades)… start gradual. Spend an extra 5 minutes a day after your shower or walking in the yard getting used to the feeling. There is such a thing as too much too fast. So take it slow and listen to your body.
Need help with transitioning or going barefoot? Still not convinced it’s a good idea? Comment below or reach out for more information. I’d love to help you!
