Why walking barefoot is a game changer for your health

Why walking barefoot is a game changer for your health (Photo: iStock)

In the long past, humans walked the earth barefoot without shoes, socks, or anything on their feet and managed just fine. In the modern age, however, many people may never have experienced walking barefoot. Soft socks are typically placed on newborns from birth, followed by well-fitting shoes as toddlers. Eventually, it becomes socks, slippers, and shoes every time. For many, their feet rarely see the light of day.

But are there any benefits to walking barefoot, at least in the house or on well-maintained surfaces? There seems to be, as suggested by foot specialists. Our feet contain groups of muscles that work together to coordinate our movement. These muscles tend to weaken somewhat due to the constant use of shoes and advancing age. Walking barefoot helps to strengthen these muscles, increasing their sensitivity to function and maintaining overall efficiency.