Q15: Should I walk differently when barefoot?

Heels are rigid and many people slam them into the ground, shocking; the legs and knees. Instead, while you should still make your heels touch the ground first, you should shift most of your weight forward onto the balls of your feet. The balls are flexible and will mold to the contour of the surface; they also have a wider surface area to better distribute your body's weight. Once you get used to walking this way, it will become natural for you.

Aside on foot anatomy: The above shows off one of the most beautiful and functional aspects of the human foot: the arch. Just like the arch of a bridge, the arches of your feet carry your weight across from your heels to the balls of your feet where it can better be distributed. Structurally speaking, an arch is extremely strong.

As for walking barefoot, you should always step down and never slide or shuffle your feet. If perchance you do step on something uncomfortable or sharp, you will notice before you place your full weight down. Sliding your feet puts them as risk of being gashed, getting splinters if walking on wood, etc. You ought to slide or shuffle your feet only when you know the surface you're dealing with. Carpeting or tile floors do feel nice.

There is one technique that contradicts the above advice. When walking through prickly, dried grasses, you can put your feet down, but, within the last couple of inches, sweep them sideways in a semicircular fashion. This will knock over the grass and you'll step on the sides rather than the pointy ends. Take extra care when you can't see the ground surface.

What about public restrooms, i.e., urine?

What can I do if I develop "cracks" in my soles?