What Happens When You Start Walking Barefoot Every Day

1. The skin on your feet will toughen up

Image source/Natural FootgearOnce you start walking barefoot, before anything else you will begin to notice a significant increase in how hard the skin on your feet becomes. Your feet will need to quickly adapt to the harshness of the floor, in order to prevent cuts and other nasty injuries. The soles of your feet will quickly start to feel like sandpaper!

2. You will restore a more 'natural' walking pattern

Image source/ FootbionicsThe most argued benefit of walking barefoot is that, in theory, it more closely restores our 'natural' walking pattern, also known as our gait. If you go to a running or walking store, many shoes have cushioned soles intended to support stability. However, according to Dr. Bruce Pinker, this cushioning prevents you from using certain muscle groups which actually strengthen your feet and ankles.

3. Your joints may improve

Image source/Orthopaedic AssociatesThere is some evidence to suggest that experienced barefoot runners have different foot strikes, potentially protecting them from impact-related injuries. The research was carried out by Daniel E. Lieberman, where he also mentioned that barefoot running could reduce the chances of conditions like arthritis, however more research must be carried out in this area.

4. You will likely get fungal infections

Image source/Foot and Ankle Center of Lake CityWalking barefoot everyday, especially in places with high amounts of moisture and damp, can massively increase your risk of developing fungal infections. The amount of germs and other nasty diseases that your shoes help protect, now are coming into contact with your feet everyday.

5. Inflammation levels could reduce

Image source/Dr KiltzGrounding (another name for direct contact between skin and the surface of the earth) has been proven to produce significant differences in cytokines, compounds involved in the inflammatory process. Amazingly, this process is attributed to the electrons from the earth. These electrons enter the body through specific acupuncture points and mucous membranes, where they can go on to reduce inflammation levels.

6. Anxiety can reduce

Image source/HealthlineSimilar to the previous point on reducing inflammation, the same process of grounding has also been linked to lowering anxiety levels. In one case, a handful of patients dealing with anxiety were grounded during their sleep. As a result they all experienced some improvement in their anxiety. While this isn't actually walking barefoot, the mechanism involved was the same.

7. You could develop poor walking mechanics

Image source/HealthlineIt is very important to consider that when you start walking barefoot, your body has probably been use to walking in shoes your whole life. Therefore, without adequate foot and ankle strength, your are at risk of having poor walking mechanics, thereby increasing your injury risk. It is important that when switching to barefoot you do it gradually and safely.

8. Increased injury risk

Image source/HeycrowdOne good reason we don't all just walk around barefoot is the obvious risk of injuring your feet. It may seem obvious, but they're is no protection to your feet once you go barefoot. Without shoes, you're at risk of stubbing your toe, braking toe nails, splinters and all kinds of cuts. Once you go barefoot, you have to be extremely careful on what surfaces you walk on.

9. Chronic pain could be eased

Image source/Mama NaturalThe effects of walking barefoot could alleviate pain levels. Some research has suggested that walking barefoot could reduce pain by altering the numbers of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes. Despite this information, if you're suffering from a serious injury, we don't recommend going on a barefoot walk!

10. Relief from improperly fitting shoes

Image source/NHSWearing improperly fitted shoes over long periods of time can result in numerous foot deformities, including the likes of bunions and hammertoes. Going barefoot allows your feet to be in a natural and comfortable position, which they otherwise were not. You should give it a try!

11. You could develop hookworm infection

Image source/Health JadeWaking barefoot on contaminated soil can massively increase your risk of developing hookworm infection. The larvae present in the contaminated soil can penetrate the skin on the soles of your feet, resulting in this nasty-looking infection. This may be a good reason to keep your shows on.

12. Your feet will never be clean

Image source/FreepikIt probably comes to no surprise but once you convert to barefoot everyday, you can say goodbye to your feet ever being clean. You're feet are going to have every square inch covered in all kinds of dirt. You will just have to make sure whoever does the cleaning doesn't mind your dirty feet.

13. Your mental well-being can improve

Image source/Corporate Wellness MagazineThere has been several studies to suggest there are psychological benefits from walking outdoors daily. Daily outdoor exercise can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Walking every day barefoot as well will only have added benefits. Go on, go out for a barefoot walk.

14. Insomnia can be eased

Image source/HealthA study in PubMed suggested walking barefoot influences physiologic processes as well as induces relaxation. The reason this occurs is because walking barefoot helps stabilise circadian rhythm, the first step to better sleep. This is the internal system that's role is to regulate feelings of tiredness and wakefulness over a 24-hour period.

15. Your feet could widen

Image source/ Optima Foot and AnkleWalking barefoot can result in the natural shape of your feet widening. To experience this change though, you will have to have gone barefoot for a long period of time, years potentially. It has been noticed that barefoot walkers and runners have wider feet then the average person, and have more equally distributed peak pressures.

16. Eyesight could be improved

Image source/StylecrazeThere is little research to support this, however there is some supporting evidence. When walking barefoot, your awareness of your reflex points on your feet improves, as they need to be much more sensitive. These reflex points are connected to the optic nerves, therefore potentially improving your eyesight. If your eye sight is poor we would probably recommend seeing an optician first.

17. Cardiovascular health may improve

Image source/Health NexusThere have been various studies that shed a light on the physiological effects of walking barefoot in improving cardiovascular health. There's also a potential link to a decrease in blood viscosity levels, an effect which may lower hypertension. However, more research must be undertook in this area.

18. It can be very dangerous if you have diabetes

Image source/Medical News TodayThe risk of infection due to walking barefoot applies to everyone, but the risk is massively increased for those with diabetes. If somebody with diabetes contracts a skin infection, such as fungus, the disease would change the normal skin hydration, altering the texture and tone of the skin. In extreme cases, this can result in amputation.

19. Your posture can improve

Image source/Coastal OrthopedicsTraditional shoes put our bodies in a pronounced pelvic tilt. A raised heel on your shoe forces you to get your butt back and bend forward at the waist to prevent falling. In doing this we are putting strain on our hamstrings, low back, upper back and neck. By removing shoes we can use the nerve endings on the soles of our feet to stay balanced, improving our posture at the same time.

20. Reflexology benefits

Image source/Northwich Foot ClinicBy walking barefoot, the reflexes found on the bottom of your feet are stimulated. This has a positive effect as it decreases inflammation and pain, alongside decreasing blood pressure and reducing stress. Walking barefoot has a surprising amount of healing benefits which you wouldn't expect to find in your feet.

21. You will struggle in hot weather

Image source/Mental flossAs you have already gathered, going barefoot means your feet have no protection. This can be very dangerous, especially in the summer when surface temperatures are at the highest. You have probably seen the videos of people frying eggs on the sidewalk in the middle of summer, I'm sure you don't want that happening to your feet do you?

22. You may be falling over more often

Image source/BetterPTShoes were invented for a reason. Not only do they provide protection for your feet, but they are also important in providing traction. Proper footwear not only stops cuts and abrasions, but it also provides the necessary grip we need in order to be balanced and safe, especially in wet conditions.

23. Sunburn could be a risk

Image source/MamamiaIt may not be the first place you would imagine to get sun burnt, but if you begin to go barefoot everyday, your feet could be excessively exposed to the sun. Your feet are unlikely to have seen much sun, so you have to be extra careful if you're going barefoot because severe sunburn can be extremely painful.

24. Your energy levels could increase

Image source/ACE FitnessEverybody who spends time in nature knows that there is a higher energy in nature. Therefore going barefoot and immersing yourself in nature could potentially increase your energy levels. Taking time out of your day and away from busy life to walk barefoot could be very beneficial.

25. Can help menstrual and hormonal issues

Image source/Liver DoctorWomen with premenstrual syndrome often have mood swings, stomach pain, headaches and many other discomforts. Walking barefoot everyday has been proven in numerous studies to help prevent these discomforts and reduce inflammation in the body.

26. Your sensory awareness will improve

Image source/RUN WILD MY CHILDWalking barefoot allows your feet to explore the textures of different kinds of natural objects, which when wearing shoes you would otherwise never get to experience. While walking over these materials barefoot, it makes your mind more alert, aware and oriented of your surroundings.

27. Less clothes to wash

Image source/FlickriverOnce you go barefoot, say goodbye to having to wash your socks everyday. Whether it's you who does your washing or your parents, you will have one less item to worry about once you go barefoot. While this may seem like a bit of a pointless advantage, it's surely better than a kick in the teeth.

28. You could improve proprioception

Image source/Dave aspreyProprioception is the sense of the relative position of one body part compared to another body part. In simple terms, the proprioceptive system delivers the message from the feet to the head to let us know where they are in relation to each other. Going barefoot improves this system and benefits our coordination.

29. Mental resilience can improve

Image source/EntrepreneurWhen you begin your barefoot journey, it is not going to always be comfortable, especially at the start. It will have to take time and even suffering before your feet and joints can adapt to wearing no shoes. This process can resultantly make you mentally stronger as a person and more resilient.

30. You may regret it

Image source/The SunAfter going barefoot, you may begin to discover it's just not practical or beneficial. Going barefoot could make working extremely difficult, especially if your job has a dress code, and if you are new to being barefoot, having a job where you are constantly on your feet could be a big challenge. It's hard to ignore the benefits but you may be best just sticking to wearing shoes.

31. Grow Taller

Image Source / The MirrorOkay, it can't actually add inches to your height, but the way in which you hold yourself and stand will make you carry yourself a lot taller. And if you're standing straight for the first time in your life then you technically will be taller than you usually are!

32. Help Strengthen Your Abs

Image Source / Cult.fitBut what have abs got to do with your feet, I hear you ask? Well it's all connected after all! And your core - literally - is at the centre of it all. If you're walking barefoot then your abdominal muscles are going to work overtime to hold you in a stronger position.

33. No More Foot Pain (Maybe)

Image Source / DOC - on the runYou might feel tiredness in your feet at first, but eventually your muscles will strengthen because of it. And because you'll now have stronger muscles in your feet, this means that the aches and pains you normally have to deal with will likely be gone.

34. Improve Your Circulation

Image Source / Harvard HealthIf you're usually someone with cold feet, you may find your feet become a little warmer as your circulation improves. Who knew you could have warm feet by actually taking off your shoes and socks? As circulation improves, so does blood flow and warmth in your feet, and you might even find an improved vein health.

35. Get Back Your Baby Feet

Image Source / Baby Physio LondonFor those people who constantly think they wish they could be a kid again (both in body and mind without the aches and pains, amiright?) you're luck's in because you could get back those chubby, squishy baby feet! As your feet strengthen and thicken due to going barefoot, you may find your 'baby fat' returns.

36. A Decrease In Impact

Image Source / www.self.comWhen you have shoes on, it's just second nature to go stomping around harder than you usually would. If you have barefeet, you naturally step lighter because you know there's nothing there to cushion the blow. This minimal impact means less impact on your joints and muscles, which is always a good thing.

37. Increase In Muscle Tone

Image Source / Medical News TodayWalking barefoot helps to strengthen many muscles (as mentioned, your core ab muscles being one of them). You can also help to increase muscle tone in your legs especially, because your body is working overtime to keep you on balance without any shoe support.

38. Improved Balance

Image Source / The HillIt's actually pretty tough to feel the ground when you've got shoes on, and if you're sensible you'll try to watch where you're walking, but all of us stand on something sharp, trip over rocks and such like. When you're walking barefoot, you're feeling the ground in a better way, so your balance is improved and you're less likely to trip or stumble over something.

39. You'll Have Improved Peace Of Mind

Image Source / Reina Trust BuildingYour mind and body should flow as one, which is why it's important to pay attention to what your body can feel - especially your feet. When you're going barefoot, you're more connected to what you're doing and what you can feel, so it gives more of a peace of mind when you're focused on that connection in the moment.

40. Feel Happier

Image Source / ImgflipIt's all about those hormones! If blood pressure is reduced from going barefoot - which is a likelihood - then you're going to feel a lot more positive and less wound up. Physical exercise is a winner anyway when it comes to mental health, but if you're doing it barefoot, this could also help immensely.

41. It's A Conversation Starter

Image Source / The Fearless ManEver had a stranger in a bar ask you why you're wearing shoes? No? Well they'll certainly ask you why you've come in without any shoes on. Going barefoot can be a great icebreaker if you're looking for the social aspect of things - because chances are people will want to know why you don't have shoes on.

42. You'll Feel Less Stressed

Image Source / HelpGuide.orgCortisol is the stress hormone, and if your circulation and blood pressure is improved due to going barefoot, this can also mean that the stress hormone cortisol is reduced, too. Which leave you feeling much more at ease, and much less stressed!

43. You'll Have A Lot More Energy

Image Source / Women's HealthIt makes sense that if your feet are less achy, your muscles more balanced and toned and your mood improved that you're bound to feel like you have bags more energy. You may feel more motivated for working out specifically if you want to keep up that body strength!

44. Your Fatigue Will Be Reduced

Image Source / NRASIn the same way, your fatigue should be fading into the distance because your brain will be more energised, your body won't feel as creaky and disjointed and overall your mind and body will feel much less tired.

45. Healing Speed Will Be A Lot Quicker

Image Source / Medical News TodayWalking barefoot better stimulates the reflex points on the bottom of your feet, which means healing benefits can kick in much more easily and more quickly. This can mean that the healing process itself could be much quicker than you'd expect with shoes on!

46. Your Body Will Be More Balanced

Image Source / Balanced BodyThis applies to physical, mental and emotional balance. We all know what it's like to feel all out of whack, and when our body doesn't feel balanced, neither do our emotions. If your body is more physically balanced this is a plus and also impacts mental health and emotional health in feeling all balanced out!

47. But It Can Result In Painful Conditions

Image Source / OrthobulletsWhen you're walking barefoot all the time, it may eventually lead to pretty painful conditions where your feet, heels and legs are concerned. This can include pain in the arch and heel of your foot, shin splints or even Achilles tendonitis - not of which sound like fun.

48. Your Body Might Actually Ache More

Image Source / Medical News TodayEspecially your legs. If you're having trouble with your feet due to walking barefoot, such as increased fungus, infections or the tendon pain we just mentioned, this may also cause you to overcompensate in the way you walk and lead to aching muscles.

49. You Might Get Smelly Feet

Image Source / Men's JournalI mean, bad foot odour is pretty much a guarantee if you're walking around with nothing on your feet all the time. Of course you're getting rid of smelly socks and sweaty shoes, but you might be picking up bacteria and walking on smelly ground when going barefoot which means your feet might carry that bad odour, too.

50. But Walking Barefoot On Soft Surfaces Is The Way To Go

Image Source / FreepikThere are plenty of benefits to walking on soft surfaces like carpet indoors, or sand and grass if you're going to walk barefoot outdoors. This is because the nerves and muscles are getting nourished by the soft ground and also helping to improve circulation.