Practicing barefoot living as a lifestyle goes beyond walking barefoot only in and around your house. It means being barefoot as often as possible in a variety of environments and situations, such as at work, while shopping, exercising, doing sports, walking in the city, or going for a hike.
The idea behind this way of life is that historically humans evolved without or barely wearing footwear — and certainly not the kind that would compress or “lock up” your feet — and that going barefoot is the most natural way for humans. It has been a common practice across many societies, connected to both practical and spiritual beliefs.
eBook | Click for details
In addition, it’s thought that a barefoot lifestyle has many health benefits, such as a more connected relationship with the Earth, an improved condition of the feet, legs, and posture, a feeling of freedom, better balance, enhanced proprioception, improved sleep, increased body awareness, reduced stress, increased mental health and well-being, better circulation and mobility, and a stronger immune system.
However, after years of wearing shoes, most of us will probably need time to adapt to a barefoot lifestyle. Typically, you would start slowly, for instance only at home and in your garden, while gradually building up the period of time you walk barefoot.
In the beginning, the feet may feel somewhat sensitive and perhaps a bit painful, but that changes over time as they get used to it by becoming more “hardened” and resilient.
Another way to build up the practice responsibly is to start wearing barefoot footwear, which is a type of shoe that mimics walking barefoot.
Typically, barefoot footwear has minimal cushioning and thin soles, offers little support and structure, is light, and has a wide area for the toes to move. This means you truly feel the ground you’re walking on, while the footwear gives space to your feet.
