The Benefits of Walking Barefoot - Suffolk Foot and Ankle

The Benefits of Walking Barefoot

The Benefits of Walking Barefoot

From heels to boots to sandals… the footwear options are endless. But, did you know that going barefoot has been shown to have various benefits for our health? Yes! In fact, as we evolved as humans, we didn’t have shoes and so our body became designed to walk on bare feet. 

So what are some benefits of walking barefoot?

  • You get more muscle development walking barefoot as your muscles are used in a more intense way to support yourself. The more developed your leg and foot muscles are, the less likely you are to injure your ankle or trip over.

  • It can possibly help you sleep. A study in PubMed revealed that walking barefoot on the earth influences physiologic processes and induces relaxation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also reported that people who had been exposed to this had a better night’s sleep compared with those who did not walk barefoot regularly.

  • It can lessen aches and pains. After a day in shoes, your feet can be hot, sore, and cramped. This not only leaves you with achy feet, but your whole body feeling uncomfortable as well. Simply stepping out of shoes lets our feet stretch and readjust,  possibly leading to less overall aches and pains.

When going barefoot, it is important to do so only in a safe, comfortable area. And if you have any serious back or foot issues, be sure to consult with your doctor first! If you have any question or concern about your feet and/or ankles, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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