Walking barefoot was one of man’s primal instincts. Thanks to evolution and civilisation, we’ve forgotten what’s natural and beneficial and moved on to things that are convenient and fashionable. Barefoot walking has a multitude of benefits and we are here to tell you why it’s time to go back … way back. Trust us, going shoe-less is the coolest thing to do now.
What is barefoot walking?
Walking without footwear on natural surfaces like mud, sand, grass and soil is known as earthing. A quick Google search will yield results of studies which highlight how drawing electrons from the earth improves health and increases the brain’s activity. It also increases anti-oxidants in your body, improves sleep, reduces stress and relieves inflammation. So, although ditching your shoes once in a while can be called going barefoot, it doesn’t have benefits unless it is combined with earthing or walking on natural surfaces.
Dr Dharma Pani Pandey, Director and HOD Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, BKL Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi says, “Walking barefoot involves consuming less energy as there is more ground force reaction and less pressure”.
Barefoot walking is particularly recommended if you want to strengthen your ligaments, muscles and joints. “It basically boils down to the purpose of walking. If you are targeting more muscle balance and greater sensory inputs, going barefoot is good,” says Dr Pandey.
The benefits
Barefoot walking strengthens and stabilises the feet muscles and improves your overall balance. It is also a good way to strengthen your ankles and thereby prevents back and knee issues.
It improves flexibility and mobility of the feet, as Dr Rana K. Chengappa Clinical Director, Sports Medicine, AktivOrtho, says, “The biggest benefit is being less prone to ankle ailments. It’s best for senior citizens as it will help them balance their body well, without shoes.”
You probably didn’t know that there are many tiny muscles in our feet, which get no exercise. Why? Because we are constantly wearing footwear. These muscles get no breathing space. Walking barefoot increases the intrinsic strength of these muscles. It also helps relieve Plantar Fasciitis, which is a very painful foot ailment.
When not to go barefoot
“People should not make the shift immediately especially if they have a certain foot problem. Many shoes have corrective roles and abruptly shifting to barefoot walking may cause harm,” adds Dr Chengappa, who also adds, “Never walk barefoot on uneven surfaces or places that are not familiar. Shoes allow better grip and that’s why when walking on hard ground, treadmill, stones and pebbles, you should always wear your footwear”.
If you have weak muscles, ligaments or tendons, do NOT walk barefoot, as the good doctor also cautions, “Make sure you don’t walk on thorns and sharp surfaces that could cause bruises. Avoid walking on a very hot ground which can cause blisters or dirt and grime which can leave you with allergies”.
FiveFinger shoes
FiveFinger shoes or barefoot shoes give you the feeling of going barefoot. These shoes are thin, flexible and have a deconstructed sole, which allows your feet to flex and curl and keeps your toes separate. They allow you to feel the texture of the ground … Bollywood celebrity Milind Soman is a huge advocate of this footwear.
FiveFinger shoe brands like Vibram are available on Amazon.in, ranging from Rs. 5,000 to 7,000.
