Transition To Barefoot Shoes

If you are reading this blog, welcome to the fun side of movement.
Transitioning to barefoot shoes may seem tricky and overwhelming at first, but as you do, you realise how much stronger and better you feel.

Now transitioning to barefoot shoes as a total beginner takes some time and some precautions to ensure the process is smooth and simple.

Being barefoot is a part of your history, your DNA, your evolution, your nature. So know that it is not unnatural.
Your feet were made to feel the ground, get data from the ground, move to create power and hold your body up with strength. Years of cushioning and biomechanically bad shoes have taken away our ability to do that. As we transition, we need to relearn these feelings and these skills, develop strength for each muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, fascia to do that.
The only way is gradual load.

Here is how to -

1. Walk before you run - literally. Doesn’t matter if you can run an Ultra, first few weeks, just walk in barefoot shoes to get used to feeling the ground more, and loading parts of the foot that are now not supported.

2. Strength train your feet. Arch crunches, heel raises, toe yoga, aversion and eversion walks. Small exercises go a long way to protect your feet.

3. Spread your toes - Work on toe mobility to be able to spread and balance better.

4. Listen to your body - Your body gives you signs when you are loading a muscle more than what it can take. Listen to it, and adjust load accordingly. Being impatient only leads to injuries.

5. Be consistent and patient.

Transitioning to barefoot shoes is a lifestyle decision and not just a fitness decision. Eventually find footwear that allows you to be barefoot in all scenarios. It is the only way to use your feet.
Avoid narrow shoes for long durations but also don’t feel bad about wearing them from time to time.

Slow progress is good.
Have a blast.