I don’t know about you, but after months locked away in winter boots, socks, ski boots and a variety of stiff-soled shoes, my feet want a taste of summer freedom! I want to run delicate blades of grass in between my toes and feel sand rippling beneath my feet as I walk on the beach, the heat and friction of the sand giving me a mini foot massage with every step.
The lazy days of summer beckon us to peel off our shoes and reconnect—literally—with the Earth beneath us. It’s more than just a sensory indulgence. This simple act of going barefoot, often called grounding or earthing, is gaining popularity as a wellness practice. Advocates say it helps reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and even ease inflammation—all by allowing our bodies to sync with the Earth’s natural electrical charge.
For others, going barefoot is part of a growing fitness movement: barefoot walking and hiking. In its more extreme form, barefoot running has been around for millennia, with an Olympic athlete even winning a marathon in his bare feet.
Going barefoot can feel primal, playful, even rebellious. But while it may seem like a natural return to our roots, it can be good for your health—as long as you avoid injury by tailoring your barefoot experience to your capabilities and situation.
Benefits of Going Barefoot
Feet are complex structures—each one made up of 26 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some studies suggest that regular barefoot walking allows these structures to move naturally, strengthening the muscles in your feet and lower legs, thereby improving balance, posture, and potentially helping with foot conditions such as plantar heel pain.
Here are four reasons why you might want to consider going barefoot this summer:
However, it’s not ideal for everyone. People with flat feet, diabetes, or plantar fasciitis may be at increased risk of injury. Walking barefoot can increase the load on certain tendons and muscles, leading to strain or aggravation of existing conditions. And transitioning too quickly—say, from supportive shoes to barefoot hikes—can lead to stress fractures or tendonitis.
Risks of Going Barefoot
While barefoot walking has its health benefits, it also carries some very real risks, especially in summer when we’re more likely to venture outdoors without protection. Here’s what to watch out for:
Going barefoot can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not risk-free. Being mindful of where, when, and how long you walk without shoes—and carrying lightweight, packable footwear as a backup—can help you stay safe while still enjoying that sweet summer sensation of bare feet on warm Earth.
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How to Get Started Going Barefoot
Here’s what foot health experts recommend:
- Start slowly if you’re not used to walking barefoot.
- Limit barefoot time: Avoid extended periods of walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces or in public areas.
- Stick to safe surfaces like soft grass, clean sand, or yoga mats.
- Avoid rough, dirty, or hot terrain that could cause injury.
- Check your feet daily for cuts or blisters—especially important for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
- Alternate barefoot time with supportive footwear to avoid overloading tendons and joints.
- Maintain good hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry, especially after water activities.
- Consider your individual needs: People with diabetes or other foot conditions may need to be extra cautious about barefoot walking. Check with your healthcare provider before establishing a barefoot routine if you are dealing with a foot condition.
- Sometimes you have to choose to NOT go barefoot: Wear flip-flops or sandals in public areas like stores, malls, pools, locker rooms, climbing gyms and beaches.
Our feet are often the most overlooked part of our bodies—tucked away, covered up, and expected to carry us through everything. Summer gives us a rare and welcome chance to set them free.
Whether you’re embracing barefoot walking as a fitness practice, dipping your toes into grounding for mental clarity, or simply chasing that childhood thrill of feeling the Earth beneath you, barefoot living has real benefits—when done with care.
But like anything in health, balance matters. Not every surface is safe, and not every foot is ready to go shoe-free. Listen to your body. Start slow. Choose your terrain wisely. And remember: going barefoot doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even a few mindful moments in the grass or sand can offer a surprising reset—for your feet, your nervous system, and maybe even your soul.
So kick off your shoes (when it makes sense), watch where you step, and let your feet remember what it feels like to be part of the natural world. They’ve earned it.
~ Read more from The Health Insider ~
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. To read about our editorial review process click here.
