What are the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes?
Barefoot shoes are a relatively new development in footwear, however, not everyone understands what they are or why they might want to consider trying a pair. So are they a fad or do they have real benefits for your feet, legs and overall wellbeing? In this article, we’ll explain what barefoot shoes are and discuss the benefits of them.
What are barefoot shoes?
Barefoot shoes are a more natural take on footwear, they feature a thin, flat, flexible sole with minimal cushioning, allowing you to walk more naturally.
Despite barefoot footwear being a recent concept, evidence shows that humans evolved to walk barefoot. The oldest shoes discovered can be dated back to 8,000 years ago, which is relatively recent considering the entire span of human history and shoes with cushioned soles only date back to around 300 years ago, so an even more recent invention. This all suggests that barefoot shoes may be considered a return to normality rather than a new trend in footwear.
They are designed to protect your feet when walking outdoors but without restricting the natural movement of your feet or altering the way that you would naturally walk barefoot.
What are the benefits?
Barefoot shoes have several benefits compared to traditional footwear. Here are some of the advantages of wearing barefoot shoes.
Wide toe box
Barefoot shoes feature a wide toe box. This allows your toes to spread out to their natural positions rather than being squeezed and squashed together in a narrow space. This extra space is beneficial for balance and can help prevent foot problems caused by too-tight shoes, which can range from minor issues such as discomfort and blisters to ingrown toenails and bunions.
Flat soles
The flat soles of barefoot shoes allow your feet to take their natural flat position, instead of being cushioned into an arched foot. This allows your feet to develop and strengthen naturally which has a range of benefits for your overall mobility and helps you stay strong and steady on your feet.
Flexible soles
The thin, flexible soles on them enable you to feel the ground beneath you. Your feet are full of nerve endings that send signals up to your brain about where you’re standing, conveying everything from the temperature of the surface you’re standing on to its shape and topography. When you’re walking or running over uneven terrain, it’s important that your feet are able to provide as much of this information as possible to help you maintain your balance and avoid potential hazards.
Lightness
Barefoot shoes are very lightweight. This makes them comfortable and feel more natural on your feet. It also reduces the strain on your feet, ankles and legs from heavy, unwieldy footwear. It makes them ideal for walking or running long distances.
