I’ve been watching a man who lives near me walk to and from the train station every day with nothing on his feet – rain, hail or shine. He wears a business suit, so I believe this is a considered choice & not an oversight every morning. I really want to ask him what his philosophy is and why he does it, but haven’t quite gained the courage yet! People often ask me whether it is “good” to go bare foot, and the answer is yes, and no.
Wasn’t man designed to go bare foot?
Well yes, we weren’t born with protective coverings on our feet, so obviously we were intended to walk around at least some of the time with no shoes on! But how often will depend on a number of factors.
What are the benefits?
Most Podiatrists would agree that some time bare foot is great for airing out your feet to keep them healthy. Another benefit is that your feet can become stronger when walking on different surfaces, thus reducing your risk of injury. Walking with no shoes for periods time can counteract the ill effects of poorly fitted shoes - bad shoes can cause a lot of problems!
There is also evidence that time without shoes on can improve balance and proprioception (your body's ability to know where it is in space).
Taking a bit of a look around the internet I have found some pretty big claims about the benefits of barefoot walking but take them with a grain of salt.. some of the benefits stated are improved sleep, blood pressure control, improved posture and decreased chronic pain.
What are the downsides of walking barefoot?
Walking bare foot can be tricky for people with underlying conditions, especially those with diabetes or other neurological impairment. If you have a condition that does mean that you have a decreased sensation in your feet, it is best that you keep your feet covered to protect them from injury. Any small injury to the foot could potentially lead to much more serious consequences.
Going barefooted in communal areas such as swimming pools or gym showers is quite a normal thing, but can expose you to infection, like fungus (tinea) or even viral infection (verruca, otherwise known as warts).
Walking for long periods of time on hard surfaces with no shoes can lead to increased callus growth that can become painful over time, but can also lead to back pain due to a lack of shock absorption at your feet. The hard shock of every step can reverberate to your spine.
Studies have shown that walking bare foot actually increases the risk of falls in the elderly.
If you do have a foot problem, extended periods walking without shoes may actually increase or accentuate the issues you have.
Is it right for me?
If you are in good health and have none of the problems listed above, bare foot walking can be beneficial for short periods of time.
What about for kids?
Bare foot walking is beneficial for children and will allow their feet to develop naturally. More on that in another blog :)
Anything else I should consider?
Way, way back when cavemen roamed the world barefoot, they would have walked on grass, dirt, sand and occasionally rocks – these days our environment is much harder on our feet with concrete, tiles and the like as regular surfaces we walk on. The flooring of today is much harder on our feet, and hence we shouldn’t really expect to be able to walk everywhere without shoes!
I have foot pain! Should I try bare foot walking to make me feel better?
If you have an existing foot problem, it would be unlikely that tossing your shoes will improve your foot health in the short term. Your best course of action is to find out why your feet are hurting by having a consultation with your podiatrist – we can help you tailor a plan to get your feet feeling better so you can walk comfortably with bare feet into the future!
FAQs
A review of your medical status and a footwear evaluation will take place along with a few simple and painless tests. These tests are to check the circulation in your feet and to discover if you have normal sensation in your feet.
What is the best doctor to see for foot pain? ›
As a general rule, if foot pain is your only issue, a podiatrist is a great choice. If you have pain all throughout your body, such as the neck and back, you should see an orthopedic doctor. If you can find a doctor that is trained in both orthopedics and podiatry, that is much better in the long run.
Can a podiatrist diagnose a foot problem? ›
Podiatrists can diagnose and treat any issues that affect your feet, ankles and lower legs — including performing surgery.
What is the difference between a foot doctor and a podiatrist? ›
A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon performs complex surgical procedures, not performed by a podiatrist. There can be some overlap in what a podiatrist treats and what an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist treats such as the simpler conditions of sprains and strains.
What is a complete foot exam? ›
The exam is used to check the feet for: Problems with the nerves and blood flow. Signs of damage or injury. Changes in shape. Foot changes, such as bunions and hammer toes (toes that curve upwards with the top part curled under), can make shoes rub and cause foot ulcers.
How does a podiatrist check for nerve damage? ›
A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan based on your personal needs. To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist will do a physical exam of your feet to check for reflexes and sensation. Your medical history and blood sugar levels may also be reviewed.
What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist? ›
Common problems that podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. Treatment methods used by podiatrists can vary depending on the specific condition but often include things like orthotic devices, braces, or surgery.
What is the most common foot pain? ›
Plantar Fasciitian inflammation on the bottom of the foot that leads to heel and/or arch pain. A variety of foot injuries or improper foot mechanics can lead to plantar fasciitis. Treatments range from icing and foot exercises to the prescription of custom orthotics to correct the foot position and help alleviate pain.
What can a podiatrist do for foot pain? ›
Podiatry treatment may include physical therapy, the use of orthotics, a night splint to stretch the calf and arch of the foot, taping and strapping to reduce strain and give support to the plantar fascia tissue in acute cases, and a programme of stretching exercises.
Can a podiatrist tell if you have arthritis? ›
A podiatrist will be able to tell you if you have osteoarthritis of the foot.
Your podiatrist may request a blood test to determine if foot pain is due to an infection, inflammation, or autoimmune response. It may also help detect blood components linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gouty arthritis.
Does a podiatrist check circulation? ›
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might.
What is higher than a podiatrist? ›
The truth is that foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons have the most comprehensive training available for nonsurgical treatment options and have the highest level of qualifications to diagnose the root cause of any foot or ankle problem.
What is the best specialist for foot problems? ›
Both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions, surgically and non-surgically. In general, the best bet is to choose the doctor you feel the most comfortable with, or who has the most experience treating your particular condition.
Why would you refer to a podiatrist? ›
Podiatrists perform surgery for various types of foot problems. Conditions that may require surgery include bunions, contracted toes (Hammertoes), recurring ingrown toenails, and broken bones. Corns and calluses are some of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist.
What kind of shoes do you wear to a podiatrist appointment? ›
What shoes to wear to podiatrist? It's best to wear shoes that you commonly use, as they can provide valuable information about your foot health and walking patterns. If you have specific concerns about a particular pair of shoes, bring them along to discuss with your podiatrist.
What to expect at your annual foot check? ›
You should be asked to remove any footwear, including socks/stockings. Your feet should be examined – including looking for corns, calluses and changes in shape. Your feet should be tested for numbness or changes in sensation ('neuropathy') with a tuning fork or a fine plastic strand called a monofilament.
What to expect when you go to a podiatrist? ›
What should I expect during an appointment with a podiatrist? Your podiatrist will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask about family illnesses, medicines, and allergies. They will examine you to diagnose and treat your condition.
How long does a foot exam take? ›
Initial Evaluation: This type of appointment typically takes longer, usually around 30-45 minutes. It involves a comprehensive assessment that includes taking a detailed medical history, performing a thorough foot examination, and engaging in a discussion about your condition and the development of a treatment plan.
