We know that barefoot shoes are good for our foot health and mobility, but are they really for everyday use? Or just something that you wear while working out?
Most of us know of barefoot shoes being worn by athletes or rehab specialists which leaves us confused if we should be wearing these in our day to day lives, and if they’re actually safe.
The simplest answer to this question is - YES. (But like everything good in life, there are a few caveats.)
Whether you’re an athlete, or a fitness enthusiast, or someone who sits in front of a computer for a big chunk of their day, barefoot shoes are a great way to keep your feet healthy and mobile.
All of us have evolved from early men who have walked the earth barefoot for ages. That is what our feet were meant to do. When it comes to genetics, we are totally capable of walking and running barefoot on all kinds of surfaces.
Of course over the years of our own lifespan, we have gotten used to the comfort of shoes, so relearning our natural movement will take some time.
If you want to learn about what makes barefoot shoes barefoot shoes - here is an article that may help you learn that better -
What Are Barefoot Shoes
That being said, there are some scenarios where barefoot shoes may not be the best choice for you -
1. Rough and dangerous terrain
Shoes don’t only act as fashion, but in a lot of places, also as protection. Extremely rough terrains where you may be stepping on sharp rocks or workplaces where there is a risk of dropping something heavy on your feet, barefoot shoes may not cut it.
This is where specialized hard boots would be better from a safety standpoint.
When it comes to urban areas that may be risky for having unwanted articles on the ground, the rubber outsole is a great safety feature of the Zen Barefoot shoe that makes it safe to be worn. There is also an added layer of protective sheet in our insoles that make them super safe for Indian roads.
2.Certain Sports
Although there are a lot of barefoot shoe brands in the west that make specialized shoes for certain sports, regular barefoot shoes may not be cut out for all of them. Certain sports may require you to wear spikes or cleats to play on smooth grass surfaces and barefoot shoes may not be a perfect fit.
Barefoot shoes however make a perfect companion when it comes to training for these sports because they give you the ability to train your body feet up and strengthen your muscles more holistically.
Transitioning To Barefoot Shoes
Even when you wear barefoot shoes in the perfect setting, there is an unlearning curve to it. Wearing them everywhere all day in the first shot may leave you more discomforted than healthy. It is good practice to wear barefoot shoes a couple hours a day initially and slowly increase time spent in them.
It is essential to ease into barefoot shoes slowly to prevent any chances of injury during this period.
Slowly and steadily, you will be ready to tune into your natural flow and walk and perform activities in barefoot shoes across the board.
Always remember to listen to your body and rest when your body asks for it.
The transition to a barefoot lifestyle is one of liberation and health, and if done properly, your feet will be stronger than ever.
Happy living.