Health benefits of wearing barefoot footwear - less pain, more freedom

Barefoot shoes are very different from the traditional form of footwear and have many health benefits, read on to find out more...

Nowadays, wearing barefoot shoes is one of today’s musts. Walking in barefoot footwear is becoming increasingly popular, especially because of its health benefits, since it offers everything feet need to be healthy.

Some people try barefoot shoes out of pure curiosity and end up never wanting to take them off. It’s no wonder that barefoot shoes are not only good for their feet, but are also surprisingly comfortable.

Features of barefoot shoes

Since barefoot shoes are very different from the traditional form of footwear, it’s important to be aware of their key features so you can make sure you are buying quality barefoot shoes:

The sole of the shoe must be flexible and ultra-thin, no more than 6 mm. Only such a thin sole can allow the foot to feel the ground

Zero drop is mandatory – this is the height difference between the heel and toes, the whole foot must be leveled.

Barefoot shoes must have a wide toe box to provide enough space for the toes. The shoes reflect the natural shape of the foot, but do not copy it too narrowly.

Barefoot shoes should be light and should not contain orthotics/insoles.

Here are 5 main benefits of wearing barefoot shoes:

1. Strong muscles, healthy feet

Barefoot shoes reflect the shape and natural curve of the foot, allowing them to move as nature intended.

Thanks to the wide shape of the shoes (at the front and sides), a wider range of muscles is engaged while walking or running (compared to traditional shoes).

"Barefoot" shoes not only strengthen all the muscles of the foot, but also help the foot develop properly to prevent deformities.

2. Barefoot shoes help you be pain-free

Athletes, especially runners, prefer barefoot shoes to make their running healthier and better.

When walking (and running), stepping from heel to toe causes an impact on the leg that negatively affects the knee and hip joints.

Wearing barefoot shoes can help you learn how to walk properly by landing on the balls of your feet (not on the heels as we all think). Walking the right way can help you avoid possible injuries, starting with the knees....

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Numerous runners who had to quit the sport due to joint pain caused by running on asphalt (hard surfaces), when they switched to barefoot shoes, the pain disappeared and they were able to run on asphalt and other hard surfaces again without any problems.

Walking barefoot also has a positive effect on the lower back because it engages all the muscles of the foot and makes you land on the balls of your feet instead of the heel.

Long-term use of barefoot shoes can help eliminate back pain because it encourages good posture.

3. Barefoot brings you joy

It may sound crazy, but by wearing barefoot shoes you can remove stress and tension, bringing back the joys of everyday life.

Hard to believe? Try this easy exercise and become a believer: walk 10 meters on the sidewalk in the shoes you usually wear.

Now take off your shoes and walk back the same distance barefoot. You can immediately feel the difference.

Walking barefoot reminds you of childhood, gives you a sense of freedom and absolute joy.

Research has shown that barefoot lowers blood pressure, overall body tension, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Going barefoot in no way restricts your feet; a flexible and thin sole allows you to feel the surface, the shoes are comfortable, and you almost forget you are wearing them.

Walking in barefoot is an amazing way to regain your long-lost energy and good mood wherever you go.

4. Restarting the entire body

There are many acupressure points on the feet that are connected to different parts of the body. By stimulating these points, various body organs can be revitalized.

With the right amount of pressure on the acupressure point, the connected body organ receives a certain level of electrostimulation.

Imagine going barefoot your whole life. The surface continues to massage and activate all the acupressure points on your feet.

Traditional shoe insoles do not allow such a connection, but the soles of barefoot shoes fully support it.

5. Better balance

Did you know that your feet have more nerve endings than anywhere else on your body, except for your fingertips and lips?

When we go barefoot or wear barefoot shoes, our brain receives more stimulation and information.

When wearing traditional shoes, our brain does not get detailed information about the surface, which can cause us to slip, trip, or even fall.

Walking barefoot allows us to be aware of the imperfections of the surface we walk on, which helps us maintain balance. Wearing barefoot shoes can improve someone's balance.