The Benefits of Walking Barefoot
Shoes — could we ever live without them?
While shoes have become a normal and almost a necessary part of our daily lives, the truth remains that humans were designed to live (mostly) without them! In fact, studies have shown that walking barefoot or with minimal shoes can actually improve our movement and reduce pain.
Below, we’ll explore the benefits of walking barefoot or with minimal shoes and how it can help you move and feel better.
How Shoes Can Cause Health Issues
Wearing shoes with thick soles and arch support can cause pain and restrict our natural movement patterns. Our feet have over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and by wearing shoes, we limit the amount of movement and stimulation these muscles receive leading to imbalances. This can lead to foot pain, ankle pain, and even knee and hip pain!
The Benefits of Walking Barefoot or with Minimal Shoes
Walking barefoot or with minimal shoes can have many benefits for our overall health and movement patterns. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Strengthens the muscles in our feet
- Improves balance and posture
- Enhances natural movement patterns
- Increases sensory stimulation
Tips on Transitioning to Walking Barefoot
If you are used to wearing shoes with thick soles and arch support, it is important to transition slowly to walking barefoot or with minimal shoes. Start by walking short distances and gradually increase the amount of time you spend without shoes. You can also try wearing minimal shoes with thin soles and no arch support to help your feet adjust to the new sensation.
- Start Slowly: Begin by walking barefoot for short periods on a soft surface, such as grass or sand. Gradually increase the time and distance as your feet adjust.
- Strengthen Your Feet: Perform exercises to strengthen your feet, this will help your feet adapt to the new stresses of barefoot walking.
- Choose the Right Shoes: If you are not ready for completely barefoot walking, choose shoes with a thin, flexible sole that allows your feet to move naturally. Look for shoes with a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread out.
- Pay Attention to Your Body: Listen to your body and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you experience pain, stop and rest. You may also use a lacrosse ball to roll out the bottoms of your feet to break up calcification or hydrate dehydrated fascia.
- Be Patient: The transition to barefoot walking or minimal shoes can take time. Be patient and allow your feet to adapt gradually.
It’s also important to remember that barefoot walking or minimal shoes may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any foot or leg problems, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your footwear.
Exercises to Strengthen Your Feet
Exercises such as toe curls, heel raises, and foot arch lifts, can help strengthen the muscles in your feet. These exercises can be done at home and require no equipment. Strengthening your feet can improve your natural movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury.
Supporting Your Feet with LUMINAS Relief Patches
In addition to strengthening your feet with exercises, LUMINAS Electroceutical Relief Patches can help speed up your transition to walking barefoot and mediate any of the inflammation, aches, and pains you feel in the beginning.
These innovative patches are imprinted with electrons. When you apply a LUMINAS Relief Patch, the electrons from the patch are induced into your body. The patches work in as little as 15-45 minutes once it is placed on the skin. Relief Tan Patches are the best option for your feet since they have a water-resistant adhesive which is perfect for active use and oily or sweaty skin.
Walking barefoot or with minimal shoes can have many benefits for our overall health and movement patterns. By allowing our feet to move more freely and naturally, we can reduce pain and improve our mobility. If you are interested in trying walking barefoot or with minimal shoes, make sure to transition slowly, incorporate exercises to strengthen your feet, and support your feet with LUMINAS Relief Patches.
For more tips on managing foot pain, visit our blog.
