| For many of us, wearing shoes is a way of life. | | | | -It helps prevent varicose veins. Since your feet are |
| However, there are others who choose to be | | | | not confined to shoes, there is more motion as you |
| barefoot more often than not. In fact, some choose | | | | walk. This increase in motion helps leg muscles pump |
| to do mostly everything barefoot, including walking, | | | | blood to the heart resulting in fewer varicose veins. |
| running and going to the store. This may be too | | | | -It’s relaxing. From a spiritual standpoint, going |
| extreme for some, but being barefoot more often | | | | barefoot can be extremely calming and satisfying. |
| has its benefits and its risks. | | | | Imagine walking along the beach in a pair of shoes. |
| Benefits of Going Barefoot | | | | The experience would not be nearly as satisfying. |
| -It is a great way to show off your beautiful bare | | | | Yoga is another example of an activity that is best |
| feet or a pedicure. Let’s face it. We all love to | | | | practiced barefoot. |
| be complimented. Going barefoot is one way to | | | | Risks of Going Barefoot |
| make sure your pedicure efforts do not go to waste. | | | | -If walking outside, your feet are not protected from |
| -There is no warm, moist environment for bacteria to | | | | weather conditions or debris on the ground. Even if |
| grow, which means developing a foot fungus and nail | | | | you love being barefoot, it is doubtful that you will |
| infection is less likely. | | | | ditch your shoes to walk through snow. Walking |
| -There are fewer chances of foot deformity, which | | | | through grass is a more ideal situation, but walking on |
| often develop from shoes that do not fit | | | | roads and dirt paths make your feet subject to |
| comfortably. Think about how appropriate shoes are | | | | glass, rubble, and rocks, which will cause bruises, |
| for our feet. They are often too tight and the front | | | | scrapes and splinters. These cuts can lead to |
| of the shoe is very narrow causing feet to be | | | | infection. |
| cramped. For women especially, shoes often have a | | | | -Your feet may become dry because they are |
| pointed toe and a high heel, which is not conducive to | | | | exposed to natural elements without being protected. |
| the natural structure of our feet. | | | | Lotion your feet and wear cotton socks in order to |
| -Experience greater flexibility and agility in the feet. | | | | retain moisture. |
| This pertains to the feet but it also affects the | | | | -You will have to clean your feet more often |
| thighs and hips as well. This means that bending | | | | because they will become dirty faster. |
| down to touch your toes is less of a challenge. In | | | | -Being barefoot all of the time is not recommended |
| addition to that, lazy muscles get a workout. The | | | | for people with foot conditions, such as Diabetes, or |
| result is stronger muscles that improve your walking | | | | poor foot circulation. |
| stance and running form. Equilibrium also improves. | | | | |