We were not born with shoes on our feet. Our feet are naturally designed with all the muscles, bones, and tendons required to support us throughout the day. Our ancestors survived for many years without shoes and there are still communities around the world that live barefoot. It’s thought that these communities have significantly lower rates of foot back and knee injuries which may be linked to their shoeless lifestyles. Let’s have a look at the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes.
- Strengthen Feet
People have been convinced that their feet require support and cushioning to carry them through the day. In reality, wearing overprotective footwear may cause the feet to become weak from lack of use. Barefoot shoes have a very thin sole with no arch support that allow the feet to go through a full range of motion. Feet are free to move the way Mother Nature intended. This may help to re-awaken and re-develop the foot muscles that have become weak due to wearing these constricting shoes.
- Improved Balance
The thin sole of barefoot shoes gives the wearer excellent ground feel. They help to increase sensory experiences of the ground beneath, allowing the brain to develop new neural connections resulting in improved balance and stability. The wide toe box gives plenty of room for toes to spread out, providing a sturdier base.
3. Better Posture
Traditional shoes have a raised heel that make the body to tilt forward. This causes your back to arch and puts stress on joints which can cause pain and injuries. Barefoot shoes have a sole referred to as zero-drop. This means the foot is kept in a natural position as if you were barefoot. The heel, ball of the foot and toes are the same distance from the ground. This keeps the body in natural alignment leading to better posture and less strain on joints.
4. Reflexology Benefits
The thin soles of barefoot shoes let you feel rough ground and objects that you are walking on. This can stimulate pressure points in the feet that are connected to other parts of the body. This may lead to improved energy, better organ function and improved blood circulation.
5. More Efficient Stride
Walking barefoot is the healthiest and more natural form of forward movement. Since the heel of your foot is in a flat, natural position, it leads to the natural action of toe striking. This results in a smoother and more efficient forward stride. It has also been known to put less stress on your joints than heel-striking, which is a very common issue for people who wear thick soled shoes. Barefoot shoes are extremely lightweight which can also assist in more efficient movement as there is nothing weighing you down.
6. Non-Constricting
Squeezing feet into tight narrow footwear can lead to sore feet and deformities such as hammertoes and bunions. Barefoot shoes are designed to mirror the shape of the foot to allow it to spread out. Feet are free to twist, turn and bend naturally.
If you are on the search for a pair of shoes that will keep your feet healthy and happy, check out Leguano Barefoot Shoes. Their unique combination of functionality, quality, and style sets them apart from other barefoot shoe brands. Free your feet and go barefoot with Leguanos.
