If you’re wondering what the big deal is about walking barefoot, I invite you to stick around and learn about the magic that happens when you take off your shoes!
Now that I’ve had some extra time, I have put together this post to share with you the science behind it, the benefits of going barefoot, how it effects your mental health, potential risks, and minimalist footwear you can try.
Throughout this post, you will see the terms “Earthing” and “Grounding” come up a lot. Those are terms others and scientists refer to when walking barefoot on a natural surface, such as grass, sand, or soil.
THE SCIENCE OF GROUNDING
Lord knows, I am not a scientist. But, I am intrigued by natural healing, and continue to search for ways in which I can be the healthiest version of myself. (At least sometimes – pizza nights don’t count.)
If my oldest daughter were here with me, I’d have her better explain the physics behind the Earth’s electromagnetic field. However, since she’s off to college, I’m going to share what I have learned studying the science behind grounding.
When you practice grounding, or walking barefoot, free electrons are transferred from the earth into your body. Let’s look at more scientific breakdown of how this occurs.
The Earth produces a 7.83 Hz electromagnetic field – (the Schumann Resonance) which harmonically entrains all life within these fields.
When feet are planted directly on the ground, electrical activity in the body is significantly increased within seconds.
These subtle, yet powerful, EM fields restore the body and mind to health, increasing psychic abilities, intuition, as well as spiritual receptivity.
Clearly, there is more than one straightforward benefit to walking barefoot on outside surfaces. Below, you can find a list of the positive effect to walking barefoot.
BENEFITS OF WALKING BAREFOOT
The grounding effect is one of the most potent antioxidants we know of. Below are 26 known health benefits of walking barefoot.
1. Improved Posture and Alignment
Barefoot walking can enhance your posture and alignment by strengthening the muscles in your feet and legs, which supports proper body alignment.
2. Increased Foot Strength and Flexibility
Walking without shoes engages the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet more fully, leading to stronger and more flexible feet.
4. Better Balance and Coordination
Barefoot walking enhances your proprioception, or the sense of where your body is in space, which can improve balance and coordination.
5. Reduced Risk of Injury
Strengthening your feet and legs through barefoot walking can help reduce the risk of common injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and stress fractures.
6. Enhanced Sensory Experience
Walking barefoot allows your feet to experience different textures and sensations, which can be beneficial for sensory development and overall sensory health.
7. Improved Circulation
Barefoot walking can stimulate the reflex points on the soles of your feet, potentially improving blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
8. Reduced Inflammation and Pain
Some studies suggest that walking barefoot on natural surfaces can help reduce inflammation and pain by promoting better blood flow and reducing pressure on joints.
9. Enhanced Relaxation and Stress Reduction
The direct contact with natural surfaces, like grass or sand, can have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
10. Improved Sleep
There is some evidence that walking barefoot, especially on natural surfaces, can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.
11. Boosted Immune Function
Exposure to natural environments while walking barefoot may enhance immune function by increasing exposure to beneficial microorganisms and reducing stress.
12. Better Gait and Foot Mechanics
Walking barefoot can help correct gait abnormalities and improve overall foot mechanics, leading to a more efficient and natural walking pattern.
14. Enhanced Connection with Nature
Walking barefoot connects you more directly with the natural world, which can improve mental well-being and foster a sense of grounding and tranquility.
15. Reduced Impact on Joints
Barefoot walking can reduce the impact on your joints compared to walking in cushioned shoes, which may help alleviate joint pain over time.
16. Potential Reduction in Foot Odor
Allowing your feet to breathe and dry out more effectively can help reduce foot odor caused by sweat and bacteria trapped in shoes.
17. Strengthened Core Muscles
Walking barefoot can engage and strengthen your core muscles as they work to stabilize your body on uneven surfaces.
18. Improved Joint Mobility
Without the restrictive support of shoes, barefoot walking allows for a more natural range of motion in your ankles, knees, and hips, potentially improving joint mobility.
19. Enhanced Body Awareness
Walking barefoot can increase your awareness of how your body moves and interacts with the ground, which can enhance overall body control and movement efficiency.
20. Better Foot Arch Development
Walking without shoes can help in the development of a natural foot arch, reducing the risk of flat feet or fallen arches.
21. Stimulated Reflexology Points
Barefoot walking can stimulate various reflexology points on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body, potentially promoting overall health and well-being.
22. Improved Emotional Well-being
The sensory experience of walking barefoot, especially on natural surfaces, can enhance mood and contribute to overall emotional well-being by fostering a deeper connection to nature and the present moment.
23. Increased Mindfulness
The practice of walking barefoot can encourage mindfulness by making you more aware of each step and the sensations you feel, which can be a form of meditative practice.
24. Potential for Improved Circulatory System Function
The stimulation of pressure points on the feet while walking barefoot may have positive effects on the circulatory system, potentially improving blood flow and cardiovascular health.
25. Reduced Footwear Dependency
Regular barefoot walking can reduce your reliance on supportive or cushioned footwear, potentially leading to a more resilient and adaptable foot structure.
26. Improved Sensory Integration
Walking barefoot can enhance the integration of sensory input from your feet with your brain, potentially improving overall sensory processing and coordination.
DANGERS OF WALKING BAREFOOT
Although there are many benefits to walking barefoot, there are a couple ways in which walking barefoot can compromise your foot health.
First, if you have weak foot muscles, there may be potential risks with walking barefoot.
After a lifetime of wearing shoes that minimize the sensations of the ground, your nerves are unresponsive to lessen impact forces. Instead, the impacts are absorbed by your joints, bones, and tendons.
This has led to an epidemic of plantar fasciitis (plantar fascia), Achilles tendinopathy and stress fractures.
Plus, if you are walking on uneven surfaces with no arch support, you may experience some discomfort.
If you have poor mechanics of walking, I suggest slowly introducing walking barefoot to slowly build up your muscles. This may help prevent foot injuries.
Do you have severe pain, new pain, or other foot issues? If so, talk with your primary care physician, a chiropractor, an ankle specialist, or visit an orthopedic surgeon.
Risks of Walking Barefoot in Public Areas
Not wearing shoes in public areas, such as locker rooms, can lead to bacterial foot infections. In addition to fungal infections and athlete’s foot, you run the risk of stepping on sharp object.
MINIMALIST SHOES
If you’re walking on beautiful sandy beaches, then going barefoot is the best thing.
However, if you will be walking through a lot of public places, you may want to wear minimalist footwear to avoid injury or harmful bacteria.
A lot of people have reservations of going completely barefoot. If you’re one of those who question the new research, you can try a pair of shoes that support the natural approach of earthing.
The following men’s, women’s and children’s shoes for earthing have excellent ratings.
Men’s Minimalist Shoes
These RHIZAL slip on shoes are my husband’s favorite grounding shoes!
RHIZALs have a copper plug through the sole, reconnecting you to this charge. And the RHIZAL shoes allow natural foot movement with a thin flexible sole and wide toebox.
Women’s Earthing Shoes
The Joomra minimalist shoe is the next best thing to walking barefoot on the trails. The slightly cushioned shoe will keep your feet comfortable on multi-surfaces.
Children’s Minimalist Shoe
These kids UpFen shoes protect bare feet from sharp objects and harsh ground temperatures. The children’s shoes have a variety of colors to choose from.
If you are going to run a marathon, I would think twice about wearing minimalist sandals.
Harvard medicine claims minimalist sandals may be harmful to a runners joints, bones, and muscles. I suggest wearing more supportive shoes if you are going for a run.
Lastly, according to HolmesPlace every time the bottom of feet hit the ground, there are so many benefits that are often overlooked.
Next time you’re outside, let the soles of your feet feel the benefits earth’s surfaces have to offer.
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
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