Articles about Barefooting

Blogger relates personal reasons for going barefoot including a list of benefits it provides.

Read the advice of two fitness experts whose very livelihoods depend on their ability to teach athletes to deadlift effectively.  Short answer: Deadlifting barefoot offers significant advantages, assuming certain precautions.

Writer and barefoot world traveler, Nara Petrovic describes visiting the U.S. and hiking in the state of Vermont. Narrating his conversation with a fellow forest trail hiker, he relates the joys and benefits of barefooting as well as the unique ups and downs of trying to do so in the U.S.

Noting that going barefoot has gained popularity due to its potential benefits for foot health and overall well-being, the author responds to the title question by concluding, “You should definitely consider going barefoot.”

Noting that, “Being barefoot can strengthen and mobilize your feet and promote proprioception,” the article outlines how to reconnect with out feet and enjoy the many health benefits of going barefoot.

Article highlights the benefits of allowing infants and young children to go barefoot, based on expert testimony.

The author calls for rethinking many of the outdated and arbitrary (author’s term) “Contract for Carriage” dress codes–which often include prohibitions against bare feet.  Her conclusion: “Why care what other people who aren’t bothering you are wearing?  …attire shouldn’t be a barrier to travel.

According to research by evolutionary biologist Dr. Lieberman, the evolution of walking has everything to do with what makes us human.  Dr. Lieberman also addresses questions about when footwear came on the scene, how that changed our human species, and what he has learned from cultures who live barefoot,   As Lieberman notes, “For millions or even billions of people in the world, walking barefoot is the norm — and their feet are healthier for it.

As the article explains, in part, “Having stronger feet [developed by barefoot training] increases your proprioception, stability, and coordination.”  But that’s just the start.  (Oddly, the article concludes with a section promoting various “barefoot shoes.”  But the main section addresses true barefoot training.)”

The author asks a physical therapist to weigh in on the benefits and possible risks related to working out barefoot. Bottom line: leaving the sneakers behind offers significant benefits in the majority of circumstances. This therapist gets it.

A science writer examines claims related to “grounding/earthing” and, not surprisingly, finds them coming up short (i.e., not “grounded” in good science). .

An excellent interview with Australian Dr. Paul Thompson, the “Barefoot Podiatrist”.

An informative article on practical ways to ‘strength train’ barefoot to develop strong and healthy muscles in the foot and ankle.

More than a few pro rock-climbers ditch their shoes while climbing.  This article reports on a number of them and discusses techniques required for climbing shoeless, as well as the pros and cons of doing so.

The title pretty well says it all!

While the author concentrates more on  minimalist footwear as a solution for problems caused by cushioned footwear, his observations and conclusions also apply to the benefits of walking and running genuinely barefoot.

Traveling Blogger Heather Markel relates how a big part of travel is observing and trying local traditions different from one’s own.  Thus, while in New Zealand, Markel describes her positive and even exhilarating experience with embracing a local Kiwi custom: going barefoot out and about.

Short answer: Of course.  Bowman, an internationally recognized biomechanist and author, responds to supposed foot health concerns due to increased barefooting at home during the COVID-19 quarantine.  Bowman also offers helpful exercises to promote healthier, stronger feet.

The story of Hippolyte Martinet, a Yakima cabinet maker who, one hundred years ago (in 1920), set out on a barefoot journey, walking from Seattle to New York, sailing across the Atlantic and continuing to walk through France, Egypt and India, living 100% off the kindness of strangers.

The author reminisces fondly about his bygone, carefree barefoot days as a child.

The author offers his suggestions on adopting a barefoot lifestyle based on its advantages and his experiences.

The author offers her cheerful and carefree reflections on the simple joys of going barefoot, which may include getting one’s feet dirty in the garden.

Report on scientific research by Harvard professor Dr. Daniel Lieberman and colleagues in Germany and Kenya–finding that although calluses thicken as people walk barefoot more often, there is no trade-off in sensation from that extra protection.  (Original research study published in Nature here).

This helpful article notes reasons to ride barefoot and outlines techniques to make it workable and fun–including creative ways to modify uncomfortable peddles.

Working out sans sneakers, explains the article, might offer the key to better performance and bigger strength gains.

Ditching one’s trainers could help make one stronger, explains the article, as it covers three main reasons, according to experts, for people to go barefoot at the gym.  The article also notes that the practice has grown in popularity among a certain segment of the gym-going population, including those at Performix House, a high-end New York City gym.

An inspiring article, written by a caring mom, who cites authoritative research to support the conclusion that, “…optimum foot development in children occurs in the absence of shoes.”  The author adds, “I realized I was scared of all the wrong things when I insisted my kids leave their shoes on at the park.”

Answer: yes!  This article outlines the benefits (including an excellent summary list), notes potential dangers, and explains the way to properly walk and exercise barefoot.

Spiritual reflections by a church music leader on the meaning of bare feet on Holy Ground, after removing her flip flops in church.

The author shares his observations and insights after a year without shoes

A comprehensive article on what you need to know.

The author offers tips, benefits and precautions related to barefooting in cold conditions (April, 2018)

An account of the writer’s barefoot travels during a spiritual journey in the mid-east

Explains why pre-school – 6th grade children at Gillispie Independent School in La Jolla, CA are allowed and encouraged to go barefoot at school.

The article features five “famous luminaries” who tread the streets in bare feet, noting that one doesn’t need shoes to become a celebrity–or a sell out.

A somewhat deceptive subtitle for a very positive article.  As the author begins, “Little kids want to go barefoot everywhere, but later in life, something goes awry. It doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve been going barefoot for years, and I love it. And I think it’s gaining acceptance.”

The story of Sue Kenney, of Ontario, Canada who walked the trail barefoot and generally goes barefoot for comfort and better health.  She has also developed “Barebottom Shoes“.

An in-depth and informative review of the positive differences that result from going barefoot over shoe wearing.

The article, citing new research by Bournemouth University, states, “Schoolchildren who attend their lessons wearing no shoes are likely to obtain better grades and behave better than those who wear them, a decade-long academic research has revealed.

The article provides the rationale for no shoes and the observed results, based on a study of schools in Scandinavia, England, Australia and New Zealand. Dr. Heppell’s related website: “Shoeless Learning Places”

Follow-up article: Take your shoes off!  Barefoot kids do better at school – by Angela Mollard, News.com.au (June 3, 2016)

The author, provides a comprehensive overview of benefits provided by going  barefoot (for both children and adults).

  • Sole Exposed
    by Mark P. Davies (Sept., 2015) – A thoughtful article in Spirit of Change Magazine as the author reflects on the often overlooked benefits and delights of going barefoot, especially outdoors.

The author, an understanding and well-informed mom, shares two persuasive letters written by her college-age daughter to the administration of her school requesting that they rescind its unnecessary shoe requirement on campus.

  • Going Barefooted
    Blog article by In-House Counsel (August, 2012) – The author (unnamed) writes about her childhood experiences with two bare feet while growing up in Montgomery, Alabama.
  • Why I Dare To Go Barefoot
    by Angela Kelly, The Express (Dec., 2011) – The story of Bea Marshall, inspirational speaker, coach and lifestyle barefooter (also featured on our “People” page).
  • Head Over Heels for Barefooting
    by Bill Ades (Spring, 2011) – Pathways for Family Wellness – An excellent overview, with references, of the health benefits of going barefoot
  • For ‘Sole Man’ In China, One Shoeless Step At A Time                          
    NPR, All Things Considered (December 20, 2010) – The article and audio begin, “He calls himself the “Sole Man.” Englishman Arthur Jones, who lives in China, has embarked on a yearlong mission to live his life barefoot.”
  • You Walk Wrong
    by Adam Sternbergh (2008) – A New York magazine article on the problems with shoe wearing and the benefits of the alternative–going barefoot.
  • Barefoot Hiking
    by Darren Richardson (Aug. 2006) in The Appalachian Voice
  • Barefoot Rights
    by Myranya Werlemann (1999) – Why “No shoes, no service” policies make no sense.  Let Myranya explain…
  • A Case For Bare Feet
    by Paul J. Lucas, Michael M. Berrow, Richard K. Frazine, and Robert A. Neinast (1999) – Despite the fact that laws  and health department regulations do not prohibit bare feet, people who go barefoot have increasingly and unnecessarily faced discrimination and even hostility. This paper presents the natural and healthy benefits of going barefoot and also explains the harm shoes can cause.
  • Endangered Pleasures
    by Barbara Holland (1995) – A wonderful two page essay on going barefoot. Anyone who enjoys going barefoot will relate.
  • The Barefoot League
    by James L.M. Bain (1914) – This paper, written over 100 years ago, highlights the virtues and delights of barefoot walking. At first, it might seem to have little to do with bare feet, but keep reading.

  • For online articles related to medical information, see our Medical Research page
  • For additional article links to other barefoot topics such as running, legal issues, etc., check our related sub-pages.