Barefoot shoes are shoes that are designed for a more natural and flexible motion of our feet.
Our feet are one of the most nerve- dense parts of the body. This is to get more information from the ground we are walking on- to maintain balance, and also to gauge if there are harmful artifacts in our surroundings.
Over the years, we have added layers and layers of thick cushions under our feet, which has desensitized our feet.
On top of this, continuous cushioning has reduced the amount of work our feet have to do in daily lives, which means we don’t use our foot muscles to their full capacity, and like any other muscle, if you don’t use it, you lose it.
When you transition to walking barefoot or wearing barefoot shoes, given its thin sole, you will take some time to retrain your feet, and the initial days, it can leave your feet sore.
Transitioning to barefoot is like going to the gym - it feels tough initially, but over time, if you stay consistent, and you increase your activity gradually, you will get stronger and the pain will go away in no time.
Here are some tips if you are transitioning to a barefoot lifestyle -
1. Take it slow - When you start wearing barefoot shoes, wear them for 30 minutes to 1 hour a day initially and increase this time gradually.
2. Walk on softer, more even surfaces initially - Given our feet are not used to small pebbles and stones on the ground, train your feet on predictable surfaces first so you can get used to being barefoot first.
3. Train surrounding muscles - Our feet have gotten weaker over the years. It is important to train your arch, your ankles and your toes simultaneously for a seamless transition.
And a bonus tip - stay consistent - It will feel new, but trust the process.
Big fashion has convinced us to believe that we need shoes to keep ourselves healthy, but we do not.
Shoes should only be used as a way to protect ourselves from the elements and not as support. We have evolved over the years walking on inconsistent and rock hard surfaces. It is completely natural and safe to be barefoot or in minimalist shoes.
It is a step towards healthy living, natural living.
Long story short - your transition to wearing barefoot shoes will be uncomfortable in the beginning, but slowly you will get stronger and one day, nothing will really hurt you.
If you are looking for a program that will help you train your feet, leave your email address at the bottom of this blog, and we will share a free PDF with exercises for you.
PS. Make sure you do not push yourself beyond a point of pain. Being sore, and being in pain are different. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Happy transitioning.