Barefoot shoes have been a popular trend in recent years, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. The barefoot movement has been catching on like wildfire, but there are still many people who don’t know if this is right for them. Despite reading a lot of barefoot shoes reviews, they aren’t sure if they should make the transition to barefoot shoes, and it is understandable why they would be hesitant.
Before you make the switch to barefoot shoes, here are some important things you should know:
What Are Barefoot Shoes?
Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the natural running experience. To create this environment, these shoes have no cushioning or arch support. They are lightweight and flexible and have a thin sole that makes you feel as though you are running barefoot.
Common Features of Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot shoes differ greatly in their design, comfort, and weight depending on their intended use.
For example, some might be lightweight, while others might be heavier for more intense activities like running or hiking. The soles vary in thickness depending on how much protection they need from the ground.
Although there is a wide variety of barefoot shoes available, all of them have the common characteristics below:
Zero Drop
Barefoot shoes have a flat sole, with the heel at the same height as the ball of the foot. Most regular shoes have a drop of 6mm.
Zero Support
Barefoot shoes offer no arch support, no shock-absorber cushioning, or any technological advancements.
Flexibility
Barefoot shoes have highly flexible soles that help the feet move freely, thereby strengthening them.
Thin Sole
Barefoot shoes have thin soles that allow ground feedback. Through the neurotransmitters located in our feet, our brain receives more information if the soles of our shoes are thinner.
Wide Toe Box
Barefoot shoes have plenty of space for the toes. More room for the toes to spread out, the better the balance and posture of the body.
Why Should I Wear Them?
The simplest benefit of barefoot walking is that it more closely replicates the human walking pattern in theory.
While going barefoot or wearing minimal footwear may not cure all that ails you, the following are some very compelling arguments for going shoeless or, at least, wearing barefoot shoes.
How Do Barefoot Shoes Work?
Barefoot shoes mimic the natural way humans walked before the invention of footwear. The aim is to balance your body’s alignment and posture while stimulating your feet’ sensory system.
People who have tried barefoot shoes often mention how they feel more grounded and in touch with their environment. It is claimed that these shoes have improved balance, lessened back pain, improved posture, stress relief, and even improved gait patterns.
Benefits of Barefoot Shoes
The benefits of barefoot shoes vary from person to person, but there are some common ones that nearly everyone agrees on based on barefoot shoes reviews online and studies as well.
They improve leg and foot strength.
Walking barefoot has been proven to be more efficient for leg and foot strength, and it is a natural way of improving the muscles in the feet and legs.
It helps combat pain.
The transition from regular shoes to barefoot shoes can strengthen and align the foot. This can improve ankle stability, prevent injuries, help relieve lower back pain, and reduce pain caused by injured knees and hips.
It improves proprioception and balance.
Wearing barefoot shoes improves balance and proprioception, and it activates the smaller muscles in your feet, ankles, legs, and hips responsible for better balance and coordination.
It helps you feel grounded.
Being barefoot not only helps improve balance but also helps you stay grounded and connected to your environment.
It enhances foot control.
Runners learn to land on the midsole and front of the foot rather than the heel. Reintroducing the feedback provided by the small muscles of the foot can be as simple as going barefoot.
Tips On Getting Started With Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot shoes can be a great choice for those who want to keep their feet healthy. But, you should not transition to barefoot shoes without knowing what you’re getting into and preparing for it.
Here are a few important notes to consider before transitioning to barefoot shoes.
- Consider the types of activity you usually do when choosing the sole thickness.
- Get a pair to try on. It’s not enough to rely on barefoot shoes reviews. You can only know whether minimalist shoes will be comfortable for you by wearing them.
- Make gradual adjustments. Listening to your body is important, and this is something you need to keep in mind.
Where to Find Barefoot Shoes Online
Barefoot shoes reviews on several websites can help you find the best one for your needs. A great website you may want to check out is Happy Barefoot, which aims to help consumers find the best minimalist footwear. You can also ask questions on the Facebook community group.
Choosing the right barefoot shoe for beginners is not difficult with Happy Barefoot’s shoe finder wizard. You can also check and compare the prices of the pairs you are interested in.
Conclusion
The benefits of barefoot shoes should be seen as a long-term investment in your fitness goals. They require a bit more work initially to break them in before they become comfortable, but the benefits outweigh the initial discomfort at first glance.