The Barefoot Revolution: Discovering the Science Behind Optimal Health and Well-being

Hey barefoot walkers!

In this article, we won't talk about travels but rather about walking barefoot, discussing the advantages of walking barefoot and how it can benefit your health and well-being. All the points I will write here are not just my opinion but are based on scientific studies.

With my experience of walking barefoot, the benefits it brings us are far greater compared to the disadvantages and the only downside, at least for me, is that we can injure or cut ourselves more easily. However, I've never had any issues walking barefoot. When I say I walk barefoot, I mean literally everywhere: streets, forests, airports, bathrooms, supermarkets, everywhere.

Walking barefoot in Marrakech

The muscles in the feet are formed in the first 5 years of life and the bones are more flexible, so it's very important that the feet grow naturally and not in the shape of shoes. Our posture is defined by how our feet make contact with the ground and when we allow this to happen naturally, it can prevent many problems in the future.

In theory, walking barefoot restores our 'natural' way of walking. This can help you how to control better the position of your feet, improve balance, among other potential benefits. Undoubtedly, it will increase your perception of where your feet are positioned and improving your body's relationship with the surrounding space (i.e., your posture).

Walking barefoot can widen your feet, for some people this may be a disadvantage as they consider wide feet less elegant but the most important thing is our well-being. To see your foot widen, you'll have to walk barefoot for a long time (and for an extended period) but according to studies of indigenous populations who habitually walk barefoot, not wearing shoes throughout life is associated with wider foot shape, making feet more efficient (fulfilling their function with less energy expenditure).

Mia walking barefoot when was a baby

It also reduces pressure points we typically have under the heel and metatarsals (especially the 1st and 5th), meaning weight is better distributed. Using appropriate footwear for physical exercise was crucial, nowadays suggest that footwear that does not respect the foot's natural anatomy and function ends up altering its shape (anatomy) and behavior (function).

In addition to scientific benefits , walking barefoot keeps us more connected to places and to ourselves. You might think it could be painful but trust me, the skin under the feet becomes tougher and is completely comfortable. Let's not forget, despite being rational animals, we are still animals and I've never seen animals wearing shoes.

You can ask, but when it's cold, how do I do it? Obviously, on cold days, I don't walk barefoot, but I wear barefoot shoes instead. This type of shoes are wider and allows the feet to touch the ground in a natural way, they are made of more flexible materials than regular shoes.

My girlfriend's daughter walked almost always barefoot and it's evident how wide her feet are, the posture she has and her balance are considerably better than a normal person's. 

The majority of children have healthy feet and 75% of adults will experience foot problems at some point in their lives, now you can take yours conclusions.

For the most of people is strange to walk barefoot, but what matters is our well-being.

I encourage you to try it out, you won't regret it.

Walking barefoot, Before vs After

Advantages of walking barefoot:

• Significant improvements in inflammation-related disorders;

• Significant improvements in chronic pain;

• Improvement in sleep disorders;

• Increased energy;

• Reduced stress;

•  Decreased muscle tension;

• Relief from headaches;

• Reduction in hormonal and menstrual symptoms, among other benefits.

Don´t forget:

Walk barefoot.

Carlos