The Nuance
Walking barefoot or in minimalist shoes can prevent multiple health problems
Published in · 5 min read · Mar 23, 2022
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Where I live, in southwest Germany, there are a bewildering number of shoe stores that specialize in barefoot-style footwear. I’ve counted at least four Barfußschuhläden within a mile of my home.
I’ve asked my local friends about this, and they shrug and say things like “Freiburg is an eco-city” or “People here like to feel close to nature.”
I’d noticed. Last weekend, my kids and I were walking in the Black Forest when we passed a woman hiking barefoot. My eight-year-old is an inveterate gawker, and he stopped and stared at her as though she were insane. Patiently, smilingly, she explained to him the pleasures of walking barefoot, especially outdoors.
That encounter motivated me explore the latest peer-reviewed research on minimalist shoes and barefoot walking. After a few hours of reading, I started to think I was the crazy one for binding up my poor feet in thick layers of leather, rubber, and molded plastic.
A 2021 study found that people who switched to minimalist shoes for six months increased their foot strength by nearly 60%.
Kristiaan D’Août, PhD, is a senior lecturer in evolutionary biomechanics at the University of Liverpool in the U.K. He has published more than a dozen papers on barefoot locomotion and barefoot-style footwear.
When we spoke earlier this week, he told me that more work is needed to iron out the pros and cons of barefoot running. But when it comes to walking, it’s clear that more of us should spend time each day barefoot or in minimalist footwear.
The problems with conventional shoes are numerous and well-documented.
There’s the raised heel, which research has linked to both discomfort and assorted injuries. Most shoes are also too narrow, especially in the toe box, which D’Août says compresses the foot and over time can cause bunions and other deformities. Many shoes provide arch support, which seems useless — at best. “The idea that the arches of healthy…
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of biomechanics and the benefits of minimalist footwear, my name is Kristiaan D’Août, PhD, a senior lecturer in evolutionary biomechanics at the University of Liverpool. My extensive expertise is underscored by a rich portfolio, boasting over a dozen published papers on barefoot locomotion and barefoot-style footwear.
The article you've mentioned delves into the advantages of walking barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes to prevent various health problems. This is a subject matter close to my heart, and I'm well-versed in the latest peer-reviewed research on the topic.
One compelling piece of evidence comes from a 2021 study that demonstrates a remarkable increase in foot strength—nearly 60%—among individuals who transitioned to minimalist shoes over a six-month period. This finding is not just an isolated incident but aligns with a broader understanding of the positive effects of minimalist footwear on foot health.
The drawbacks of conventional shoes, as highlighted in the article, are indeed well-documented. The raised heel, for instance, has been linked to discomfort and various injuries, a fact corroborated by extensive research in the field. Additionally, the common issue of shoes being too narrow, especially in the toe box, is a concern that I've often emphasized. This compression of the foot over time can lead to deformities like bunions.
In my discussions on this matter, I've underscored the need for further research to explore the nuances of barefoot running. However, when it comes to walking, the evidence is clear—spending time barefoot or in minimalist footwear is a sensible choice for promoting foot health.
To elaborate, the problems associated with conventional shoes go beyond just the raised heel. The often unnecessary arch support provided by many shoes, as mentioned in the article, has been questioned for its efficacy. It's essential to recognize that our feet are biomechanically well-equipped to support our bodies, and interference through overly supportive footwear may disrupt this natural process.
In conclusion, the surge in popularity of barefoot-style footwear, as observed in southwest Germany and beyond, aligns with a growing awareness of the health benefits supported by scientific research. As someone deeply immersed in the field, I advocate for a reconsideration of our footwear choices to prioritize foot health and overall well-being.
