Do People Go Barefoot In India?
As an Indian, walking on our streets can be tough. Unpredictable, unsafe, lack of sidewalks. It makes sense to be wary of using barefoot shoes given the thin soles.
India has been a country of being barefoot culturally though. Being an agrarian society, most Indians even today work and live barefoot. Even religiously, a lot of places of worship require you to be barefoot.
This over the years has led to the adaptation of Indian feet becoming flatter and wider. It has been our natural adaptation to the kind of movement and surfaces we work with.
With the influx of modern shoes however, we are straying away from our natural ability and naturally wide feet. Jamming our feet in narrow shoes has led to a sudden spike in foot problems and podiatrist visits over the last couple of decades.
Tribes, and rural communities which are still primarily barefoot have seen to have much lesser foot problems than the urban Indian.
Being barefoot is allowing your body to recalibrate bottom up. It is your only connection with the earth. It is what affects the entire body’s balance.
Understandably, being barefoot everywhere is not possible, especially in India, and that is why barefoot shoes India are important. They allow for you to get all the benefits of being barefoot (barring grounding), but at the same time be completely safe from elements like glass, stray needles, or super sharp objects.
India is ready for the barefoot revolution, and we are proud to be spearheading it with our flagship product, Origin.
FAQs
1. Why can barefoot shoes be useful in Indian cities?
Barefoot shoes can provide the natural movement and ground feedback associated with barefoot movement while protecting your feet from common outdoor hazards.
2. Why are Indian feet often considered wider?
The blog connects this with India's long-standing barefoot culture, agricultural lifestyle and the way people have traditionally moved across different surfaces.
3. Are barefoot shoes practical for Indian roads?
They can be, especially when designed with protective soles. The idea is to provide protection from hazards such as sharp objects while retaining the key features of barefoot footwear.