Why Barefoot Walking is Great for Your Health

Rich
Jun 25
5 min read

THE STATS:

HERE IN THE UK WE WALK AN AVERAGE OF 5951 STEPS PER DAY.

IF YOU'RE A LONDONER THAT COUNT INCREASES TO 6032 (ALTHOUGH MANY OF THOSE ARE TAKEN RUNNING AWAY FROM NUTTERS, THEY STILL COUNT).

THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT IS +10,000, AND I'D PERSONALLY GO AS FAR AS TO SAY >15,000 HITS THE SPOT FOR ADEQUATE DAILY MOVEMENT.

OUR HUNTER GATHERER ANCESTORS WALKED AN ESTIMATED 17,000 STEPS (APPROX 8 MILES) A DAY, AND DON'T FORGET ALL THE ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY INCURRED THROUGH THE MANY OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIONS NEEDED TO STAY ALIVE (DIGGING, THROWING, CARRYING, CLIMBING, KILLING SOMETHING ETC).

WHY IS BAREFOOT BETTER?

WELL, sometimes it isn't.

but it certainly has it's place in OUR MUCH NEEDED PROCESS OF HUMAN RE:WILDING.

I'm not here to argue that barefoot walking has electro-magnetic grounding effects that rewire your soul and connect you to mother nature.

my reasons for barefoot are purely mechanical, and i truly believe that without adequate foot movement, the rest of the kinetic chain cannot operate properly, and ultimately will succumb to compensatory mechanics and chronic injuries.

MY STORY

I've had a shitty left hip for +20 years.

the issue got flagged up when i was 19 and joining the royal marines, when my left hip would occasionally give way leaving me face down in the mud being screamed at by an officeR.

I HAD PHYSIO, INJECTIONS, SCANS, AND ALL SORTS OF INTERVENTIONS THAT Didn't seem to help.

EVEN AFTER GRADUATING WITH A DEGREE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, I STILL COULDN'T FIX THE DAMNED THING WITH ALL MY NEW KNOWLEDGE AND ANATOMICAL AWARENESS.

Turns out I have a cam impingement, a little bone growth in the head of my left femur, preventing adequate rotation of my left hip, and causing a dominance in my right leg.

FOR A FURTHER 10 YEARS I STRUGGLED WITH A DOMINANT LEG, RUNNING LONG DISTANCES ( I WAS ESSENTIALLY HOPPING), FIGHTING ADEQUATELY IN ORTHODOX (ABSOLUTE EMBARASSMENT IN SOUTH PAW), AND NEVER EVER KICKING A MAN WITH MY LEFT LEG.

THEN FATE INTERVENED, AND TOOK MY SHOES AWAY.

I was forced to embrace barefoot life, after Chinese airport security confiscated my shoes

I FOUND MYSELF IN RURAL CHINA, WITH NO SHOES, NO CURRENCY, NO LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND ON THE BULLET TRAIN TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.

THATS WHAT STARTED THE BAREFOOT THING.

I walked large parts of the Great Wall of China, climbed a mountain (Mt Huashan, 2154m), completed the worlds most dangerous hiking trail (supposedly), and realised quickly that for the first time in years my hip felt great!

IT WASN'T UNTIL I RETURNED BRIEFLY TO BEIJING THAT I WAS FORCED TO GO AND BUY A PAIR OF SHOES FROM A NICE CHINESE POLICE OFFICER IN TIANAMEN SQUARE (HE WASN'T VERY NICE TO BE FAIR...)

ENHANCING BIOMECHANICS

Foot mechanics are complex: you have 28 bones, 33 JOINTS, 100+ MUSCLES, TENDONS, AND LIGAMENTS, AND OVER 200,000 NERVE ENDINGS PROVIDING DETAILED FEEDBACK ABOUT YOUR FOOT POSITION. /

Stick those joints, bones, and moving structures inside an immobile piece of footwear and you have a recipe for a funny walk.

Barefoot walking connects us with the environment in a way that traditional shoes cannot. With every step, your feet touch the ground, and this connection has numerous physiological effects on the body. The natural ground beneath our feet provides a sensory experience, stimulating the nerves and prompting a myriad of health benefits.

walking barefoot allows our feet to work more naturally. Shoes often restrict foot movement, affecting our posture. When we go barefoot, we strengthen our foot muscles and enhance our balance and stability. This improves our overall body mechanics and leads to better alignment while walking.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BAREFOOT WALKING

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research indicated that barefoot runners tend to have fewer injuries. This is because running barefoot can strengthen the muscles in the feet, reducing the likelihood of injuries and common foot problems like plantar fasciitis.

barefoot walking ALSO promotes a more efficient stride. When barefoot, our foot naturally adjusts to the surface, leading to better biomechanics. A strong foundation starts at the feet—healthy feet contribute to overall body performance and posture. This underscores the importance of incorporating barefoot walking into your daily routine.

AND YOU MAY ALSO WITNESS:

IMPROVED TOE SPREAD
INCREASED PRESSURE ON FOREFOOT, AND LESS HEEL STRIKE
MORE MOBILE FOOT ARCHES
REDUCTION IN PLANTAR FASCIA ASSOCIATED FOOT PAIN (NOT NECESSARILY TOTAL FOOT PAIN...)

How DO I STart barefoot training?

just take your damned shoes off. you'll work out the rest.

should i buy some of those barefoot shoes?

nO, absolutely not.

i'm not against people adopting looser footwear that allows you to adapt to barefoot without risking friction & blood injuries, but you just need a set of chill shoes that don't try to support or control your foot mechanics.

feiyue, converse, and the plimsolls you wore at school are ideal.

vibro barefoot cost a small fortune, and make you look like a proper TOOL, so SAVE YOUR MONEY AND JUST GO BAREFOOT!

Practical Tips for Safe Barefoot Walking

If you decide to embrace barefoot walking, it's essential to do so safely. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy all the benefits of barefoot walking while minimizing the risk of injury:

Choose Safe Surfaces: Begin your barefoot walking journey on clean, soft surfaces like grass or sand. Avoid sharp objects, broken glass, and unfamiliar terrains until you build enough strength and calluses.
Start Slowly: As mentioned earlier, start with short walks and gradually extend the duration. Take breaks if you feel discomfort.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds as you walk. If you feel pain or discomfort, it is essential to stop and evaluate what might be causing it.
Incorporate Stretching: Increase flexibility in your feet and legs by engaging in stretching exercises. This can prepare your body for barefoot walking and reduce the risk of injuries.
Consult with Experts: If you have existing foot conditions or concerns, it's wise to consult with a podiatrist or physical therapist who can provide tailored advice.

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GOUNG BAREFOOT

SHOPS HATE IT. YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GO INTO A SUPERMARKET WITH NO SHOES AND EXPECT A MANAGER-FREE VISIT.

OLD PEOPLE DON'T GET IT. OUR ELDERS WERE TAUGHT THAT CLOTHES MAKETH THE MAN, AND MOST OF THEM WORE HIGH HEELS, BROGUES, AND TINY TOE CRAMPING OFFICE SHOES AND IT'S TOO LATE TO FIX THAT NOW. DON'T EXPECT THEM TO UNDERSTAND.
PAVEMENTS & ROADS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO FACILITATE BAREFOOT. You CAN WALK FOR A LIFETIME BAREFOOT IN NATURE, BUT MORE THAN A DAY ON THE TARMAC AND YOU'RE FOOT IS GOING TO GET CUT TO SHREDS. CARRY A PAIR OF LIGHT SHOES WITH YOU FOR ANY TARMAC BITS OF YOUR HIKE.

THE STATS:

HERE IN THE UK WE WALK AN AVERAGE OF 5951 STEPS PER DAY.

IF YOU'RE A LONDONER THAT COUNT INCREASES TO 6032 (ALTHOUGH MANY OF THOSE ARE TAKEN RUNNING AWAY FROM NUTTERS, THEY STILL COUNT).

THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT IS +10,000, AND I'D PERSONALLY GO AS FAR AS TO SAY >15,000 HITS THE SPOT FOR ADEQUATE DAILY MOVEMENT.

OUR HUNTER GATHERER ANCESTORS WALKED AN ESTIMATED 17,000 STEPS (APPROX 8 MILES) A DAY, AND DON'T FORGET ALL THE ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY INCURRED THROUGH THE MANY OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIONS NEEDED TO STAY ALIVE (DIGGING, THROWING, CARRYING, CLIMBING, KILLING SOMETHING ETC).

WHY IS BAREFOOT BETTER?

WELL, sometimes it isn't.

but it certainly has it's place in OUR MUCH NEEDED PROCESS OF HUMAN RE:WILDING.

my reasons for barefoot are purely mechanical, and i truly believe that without adequate foot movement, the rest of the kinetic chain cannot operate properly, and ultimately will succumb to compensatory mechanics and chronic injuries.

MY STORY

I've had a shitty left hip for +20 years.

the issue got flagged up when i was 19 and joining the royal marines, when my left hip would occasionally give way leaving me face down in the mud being screamed at by an officeR.

I HAD PHYSIO, INJECTIONS, SCANS, AND ALL SORTS OF INTERVENTIONS THAT Didn't seem to help.

EVEN AFTER GRADUATING WITH A DEGREE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, I STILL COULDN'T FIX THE DAMNED THING WITH ALL MY NEW KNOWLEDGE AND ANATOMICAL AWARENESS.

FOR A FURTHER 10 YEARS I STRUGGLED WITH A DOMINANT LEG, RUNNING LONG DISTANCES ( I WAS ESSENTIALLY HOPPING), FIGHTING ADEQUATELY IN ORTHODOX (ABSOLUTE EMBARASSMENT IN SOUTH PAW), AND NEVER EVER KICKING A MAN WITH MY LEFT LEG.

THEN FATE INTERVENED, AND TOOK MY SHOES AWAY.

I FOUND MYSELF IN RURAL CHINA, WITH NO SHOES, NO CURRENCY, NO LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND ON THE BULLET TRAIN TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.

THATS WHAT STARTED THE BAREFOOT THING.

IT WASN'T UNTIL I RETURNED BRIEFLY TO BEIJING THAT I WAS FORCED TO GO AND BUY A PAIR OF SHOES FROM A NICE CHINESE POLICE OFFICER IN TIANAMEN SQUARE (HE WASN'T VERY NICE TO BE FAIR...)

ENHANCING BIOMECHANICS

Foot mechanics are complex: you have 28 bones, 33 JOINTS, 100+ MUSCLES, TENDONS, AND LIGAMENTS, AND OVER 200,000 NERVE ENDINGS PROVIDING DETAILED FEEDBACK ABOUT YOUR FOOT POSITION. /

walking barefoot allows our feet to work more naturally. Shoes often restrict foot movement, affecting our posture. When we go barefoot, we strengthen our foot muscles and enhance our balance and stability. This improves our overall body mechanics and leads to better alignment while walking.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BAREFOOT WALKING

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research indicated that barefoot runners tend to have fewer injuries. This is because running barefoot can strengthen the muscles in the feet, reducing the likelihood of injuries and common foot problems like plantar fasciitis.

AND YOU MAY ALSO WITNESS:

IMPROVED TOE SPREAD

INCREASED PRESSURE ON FOREFOOT, AND LESS HEEL STRIKE

MORE MOBILE FOOT ARCHES

REDUCTION IN PLANTAR FASCIA ASSOCIATED FOOT PAIN (NOT NECESSARILY TOTAL FOOT PAIN...)

How DO I STart barefoot training?

should i buy some of those barefoot shoes?

nO, absolutely not.

i'm not against people adopting looser footwear that allows you to adapt to barefoot without risking friction & blood injuries, but you just need a set of chill shoes that don't try to support or control your foot mechanics.

feiyue, converse, and the plimsolls you wore at school are ideal.

vibro barefoot cost a small fortune, and make you look like a proper TOOL, so SAVE YOUR MONEY AND JUST GO BAREFOOT!

Practical Tips for Safe Barefoot Walking

If you decide to embrace barefoot walking, it's essential to do so safely. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy all the benefits of barefoot walking while minimizing the risk of injury:

Choose Safe Surfaces: Begin your barefoot walking journey on clean, soft surfaces like grass or sand. Avoid sharp objects, broken glass, and unfamiliar terrains until you build enough strength and calluses.

Start Slowly: As mentioned earlier, start with short walks and gradually extend the duration. Take breaks if you feel discomfort.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds as you walk. If you feel pain or discomfort, it is essential to stop and evaluate what might be causing it.

Incorporate Stretching: Increase flexibility in your feet and legs by engaging in stretching exercises. This can prepare your body for barefoot walking and reduce the risk of injuries.

Consult with Experts: If you have existing foot conditions or concerns, it's wise to consult with a podiatrist or physical therapist who can provide tailored advice.

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GOUNG BAREFOOT

SHOPS HATE IT. YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GO INTO A SUPERMARKET WITH NO SHOES AND EXPECT A MANAGER-FREE VISIT.

OLD PEOPLE DON'T GET IT. OUR ELDERS WERE TAUGHT THAT CLOTHES MAKETH THE MAN, AND MOST OF THEM WORE HIGH HEELS, BROGUES, AND TINY TOE CRAMPING OFFICE SHOES AND IT'S TOO LATE TO FIX THAT NOW. DON'T EXPECT THEM TO UNDERSTAND.

PAVEMENTS & ROADS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO FACILITATE BAREFOOT. You CAN WALK FOR A LIFETIME BAREFOOT IN NATURE, BUT MORE THAN A DAY ON THE TARMAC AND YOU'RE FOOT IS GOING TO GET CUT TO SHREDS. CARRY A PAIR OF LIGHT SHOES WITH YOU FOR ANY TARMAC BITS OF YOUR HIKE.

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