Four benefits of barefoot shoes are reduced foot pain, improved balance, strengthening ankles and feet, and reducing the risk of injury.

Benefits of barefoot shoes

Physical therapists commonly treat clients with foot pain. And one of the most common causes of foot pain is wearing shoes that are not supportive or that do not fit properly. Traditional running shoes, for example, often have thick, cushioned soles that can actually make foot pain worse, they crush toes into a v shaped pattern, and have a rise and drop in the shape of the shoe sole that is akin to high heels. 

Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic your natural foot position as it contacts the ground bare. Barefoot shoes have a "zero drop", maintaining the same height sole from toes to heel. They also have a toe box that is wide and allows your toes to splay in a natural direction without confining them.

This is in contrast to minimalist shoes. Minimal shoes may possess some of these features, such as a zero drop sole, but they often have a narrow toe box. The narrow toe box is a fashion feature but will negatively affect your feet because it constrains natural movement. Constrained toes can lead to many disorders that cause foot pain and can even lead to serious conditions like bunyons.

Thus, we recommend avoiding minimalist shoes and focusing on barefoot...dare to be bare! (It was too easy...) Here's a pair of some of our favorite barefoot shoes from Wildling.

Barefoot shoes are a type of footwear that is designed to mimic the natural barefoot experience. They have thin soles that are malleable, bendable in multiple directions, provide little to no cushioning, and they allow your feet and toes to move freely. Barefoot shoes have been shown to have a number of benefits for foot health, including:

• Reduced foot pain. Studies have shown that barefoot shoes can help to reduce foot pain, especially in people with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and other conditions.
• Improved balance and proprioception. Proprioception is the body's awareness of its position in space. Barefoot shoes can help to improve proprioception by allowing your feet to feel the ground beneath them. This can help you to maintain better balance and coordination.
• Stronger feet and ankles. Barefoot shoes can help to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles. This is because they force you to use your feet more naturally, which helps to develop the muscles that support your arches and ankles.
• Reduced risk of injury. Barefoot shoes can help to reduce your risk of injury, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and knee pain. This is because they allow your feet to move more naturally and they do not provide as much cushioning, which can lead to overstriding and other poor running mechanics.

If you are looking for a way to improve your foot health, barefoot shoes may be a good option for you. However it may be a great idea to work with your physical therapist to help with the transition, because how you make that transition is important. The controversy around barefoot shoes is undeserved. 

If you are interested in trying barefoot shoes, Rose Physical Therapy has links to major brands in our online store. We have a wide selection of minimalist shoes available for purchase, and our team of doctors can help you determine the right pair for your needs. We also offer physical therapy services to help you improve your foot health and prevent injuries as you transition to barefoot shoes.

To schedule an appointment please use the contact form on our website, or give us a call. We have offices in downtown DC between Dupont Circle and Farragut Square, and in Navy Yard just a few blocks from Capitol Hill. Both locations are metro accessible and convenient.