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The Barefoot shoes debate: Benefits and disadvantages to aid your thinking

chrissy683

Since tearing the ligaments in my ankle a few years ago, I have been thinking more and more about my own foot and ankle health. Research, advice and experimentation has led to me trying to be kinder to my tootsies! So, with that in mind, and more research, I decided to try out barefoot shoes this January.


Just in case you were thinking of going barefoot, I thought I would share some of the things that I have taken from all of the reading that I have done!


Advocates talk about all of the benefits of Barefoot shoes


Improved foot strength Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the sensation of walking barefoot (which I already love doing!). Without the support and cushioning of traditional shoes, your foot muscles have to work harder to keep you stable, potentially strengthening them over time. This can improve overall foot health and reduce the risk of injuries.


Enhanced proprioception By allowing your feet to feel the ground, barefoot shoes improve your proprioception. Proprioception is the ability to sense your body’s position in space and its movements (such as the pressure and tension in your muscles and joints). This heightened awareness can lead to better balance and coordination. Reactivating my proprioceptive senses in my ankle and foot after my injury was one of the key goals for my physio and it really did make a difference to stability.


Natural foot shape Many traditional shoes have narrow toe boxes that can squish your feet making them sore but also compress your toes over time, changing the shape of your foot. Barefoot shoes typically have a wider toe box, allowing your toes to splay naturally. This is said to improve alignment and reduce discomfort associated with conditions like bunions.


Encourages a natural gait As many of you know, I love running. Traditional running shoes often promote heel striking due to their thick cushioning. The research suggests that barefoot shoes encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike, which can reduce impact forces and potentially decrease the risk of joint injuries. I am yet to try running in barefoot shoes, however I certainly intend to try it very soon!

 

Critics note the disadvantages of Barefoot shoes too


Transition challenges Switching to barefoot shoes isn’t always as simple as buying a new pair of trainers. In fact, my specialist podiatrist (who you might remember gave me a great gait re-training programme) gently suggested that barefoot shoes can take some getting used to. Your feet and calves need time to adjust to the reduced support. I have been transitioning carefully by using my barefoot shoes for everyday activities like going to work, urban walking and walks on designated paths before trying them out for running or hiking!


Limited cushioning Barefoot shoes provide little cushioning as the soles are much thinner in order to allow the natural movement of the foot. This could, of course, be problematic on hard or uneven surfaces especially if you are not used to it. Without sufficient protection, some barefooters may experience discomfort or increased risk of injury.


Not suitable for everyone People with specific foot conditions, such as flat feet or severe pronation, may find barefoot shoes exacerbate their issues. Proper evaluation by a podiatrist is sometimes recommended before transitioning.


Less protection from things in the environment Traditional shoes offer more protection against sharp objects, extreme temperatures and wet conditions. Barefoot shoes, by design, prioritise ground feel over shielding your feet from environmental risks. This might mean that you take extra care in your barefoot shoes or just pick the right shoes to give you comfort and confidence doing the activity you’re doing.


Durability concerns Critics of barefoot shoes suggest that the minimalist materials used in barefoot shoes may not last as long as traditional footwear, especially when used in demanding environments. This could lead to higher replacement costs over time. The way I balanced this in my mind is that looking after my body, preventing injury or pain and overall happier and heathier feet/ ankles were worth investing in. I completely appreciate that not everyone has the choice to prioritise this though and, in these circumstances, I would urge people to go barefoot at home to get some of the benefits without any additional costs. There are also some cost-effective options to try out that are comfy too!

 

Barefoot shoes offer compelling benefits, particularly for those seeking a more natural approach to foot health and movement. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The decision to adopt barefoot shoes should be made with careful consideration of your lifestyle, activity level and individual foot anatomy. By weighing up the pros and cons, you can determine whether this minimalist footwear aligns with your needs, goals and life. I hope this little taster has helped in your thinking about whether barefoot shoes are right for you or not. From a personal perspective, I love mine!


To find out more about the counselling, therapy and family support services that Pathways offer to clients in Chester and beyond, contact us today!

 

Chrissy

Founder


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