“The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art” - Leonardo da Vinci.

When it is very hot and/or you are feeling tired after a long day at work it is very relaxing and refreshing to kick off your shoes and walk around with bare feet. We tend to walk around at home with bare feet, but not often outside.

Walking with bare feet helps to tone the muscles of your feet, keeping them young and strong. Some countries have developed special parks where you can walk barefooted without fear of treading on something nasty – so why not check to see if there is one near you?

You can walk on grass, through streams, on logs, on moss, through leaves and more. You follow trails that guide you to walk on different surfaces.
They are really good place to go for family outing. You walk and give your feet a special workout. Children of all ages enjoy walking barefoot and research has shown it is really good for their feet.


How to walk barefooted safely

Check with your health professional if you have heart disease, diabetes, dermatological problems or any other medical problem to make sure that they think it will be safe for you to walk barefooted.

You must always be on the lookout to steer clear of possible hazards. Scan the path in front of you and see where you will be able to walk.

Walking under overhanging tree branches means you need to take extra care as your head will be facing downwards and you may not notice potential hazards ahead of you.

Take special care when walking through areas where it is difficult to see the ground, for example when walking through tall uncut grasses, leaf litter, etc

Make sure that you avoid areas that have dangerous hazards such as poisonous snakes or industrial waste.

When you get home -wash your feet with soap and water and make sure that there are no insects on your skin.


Benefits of walking with bare feet

Bare foot walking is good for your feet.
It allows your toes to get straightened and also your feet tend to feel stronger.
It gives relaxation to the tired feet.
It helps to overcome the problem of flat feet.
It strengthens ligaments and tendons

So, give your feet a break, at some time in the day take off your shoes, socks, tights and give your feet a breather.


Risks of walking barefoot
You need to look where you are going at all times, even in your own garden – for such things as stones splinters and stinging insects.
If you are walking barefooted in the countryside you need to be aware of risks such as poisonous plants or animals.


Just for interest

Walking without shoes and socks in some countries is considered immodest.
In Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria (when even table legs had to be covered!) the word 'leg' was indecent and bare feet were suggestive.

The Hindu religion regards feet as the dirtiest part of the body and it is considered impolite if you point the soles of your feet at someone.


Enjoy your walking!