What are The Main Benefits of Barefoot Shoes?

Barefoot shoes are the latest trend and are a fairly new innovation, offering a natural and more comfortable feel to wearing shoes. We’ll be outlining what barefoot shoes are used for and what their main benefits are, perhaps persuading you to make the switch.

What are barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes, known as minimalist footwear, are a stripped-back, lightweight version of the regular shoe. The lack of a large heel and the flat and flexible sole offers a more natural way of walking, designed to allow people to walk the way they were initially intended to.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit of the barefoot shoe is comfort. Many people have adjusted to the feeling of their cushioned, regular shoes but often don’t realize that this may be causing them discomfort.

Allowing your feet to move and behave naturally will provide more comfort in the long run. Connecting your feet closer to the ground will enable strength and stability, as well as increased flexibility in your feet and better posture.

There is a zero drop of height difference between the heel and toes, leveling the foot out for an easier stance.

Wide toe box

Barefoot shoes provide a wider toe area, allowing your feet more space and providing ample comfort. Regular shoes often make toes feel narrow and cramped, so the minimalist footwear allows your feet to be in a more natural position.

Having more space for your toes can offer better balance and ensure your feet don’t feel cramped or sore.

What can they be used for?

Barefoot shoes are incredibly versatile and are used for a variety of different reasons. They come in a selection of styles and can be used for hiking and running. They may take some time to adjust to, but can eventually make you feel freer as you’re moving around.

As barefoot shoes have no padding or cushion, some athletes often prefer to run in these to enable a healthier run, promoting stronger muscles and increased balance. Running in barefoot shoes engages all the foot muscles and makes you run on the ball of your foot instead of your heel, overall preventing injury in the small of your back.

Walking and everyday wear

Everyday life consists of lots of walking around, so ensuring your feet are comfortable is super important.

Making the switch to lightweight and flexible barefoot shoes can help restore your feet back to their natural balance and allow for ideal everyday use. Try and wear your new barefoot shoes as much as possible to ensure you start getting used to them.