Choosing the right barefoot shoes
Preparing for the Transition, Step by Step
The transition to barefoot shoes takes time to naturally acclimate your feet to the new way of moving.
- Start easy: For the first few days, wear barefoot shoes only for short walks – like walking the dog or shopping.
- Build up the intensity: After a week, you can increase the amount of time you wear barefoot shoes and start using them for longer walks. Monitor your body and reduce the intensity if you feel tired or uncomfortable.
- Incorporate a variety of surfaces: Stick to soft surfaces like grass or forest paths at first. Gradually add firmer surfaces like asphalt or paving stones to help your feet adjust to different conditions.
- Exercise your feet: Help your feet adapt with regular strengthening exercises – like picking up small objects with your toes or walking on your toes.
Adjust your expectations
Your feet may go through a few changes as you transition to barefoot shoes.
- Shape and size: Your foot may widen slightly as your toes have more room and your muscles become more active. This is a natural and healthy process and nothing to worry about.
- Gradual adaptation: Muscles, tendons, and joints that are not used to natural movement need to adapt gradually. This can take weeks to months.
- Be patient: You may initially feel some fatigue or muscle soreness, which is a sign that your body is working to adapt. Take your time, adjust your pace, and don’t expect immediate results.
Practical tips for getting started
You don’t have to give up your entire shoe collection right away. Alternate barefoot shoes with traditional ones, especially in the first few weeks. This will make the transition from classic shoes to barefoot easier.
Listen to your body and if you experience significant discomfort or pain, take a break and don’t be afraid to ask for a consultation with a professional.
Take care of yourself and your feet. Treat yourself to relaxation, for example, in the form of a warm bath with Epsom salts or a foot massage.
Switching to barefoot shoes is a path that will bring you long-term benefits not only for your feet, but also for your entire body.
How to walk barefoot properly?
Now you know how to measure your foot correctly, how to prepare for the transition from classic to barefoot shoes, and now let's look at how to move in barefoot shoes.
1. Correct posture is the foundation
It all starts with correct posture. Focus on a straightened spine, stretch your head up. Let your shoulders drop down and back. Slightly pull in your navel and tuck your pelvis. Feel the four points of support on your foot. Distribute your weight evenly between the joint under your thumb, the joint under your little finger, and two points on each side of your heel.
2. Shorter stride
Shorter strides allow you to have a natural and gentler impact, with your weight gradually passing over the cushioning heel pad or the center of your foot, until you smoothly step over to the tips of your toes. Try to shorten your stride by placing your foot under you, not in front of you.
3. Landing and taking off
You can’t just stomp your feet in barefoot shoes – it can be quite painful. So land on your entire heel. Your weight should fall evenly on the heel pad, not just on one side. Then, move over your foot and transfer your weight over the middle of it to your toes. Finally, take off with your toes, press them slightly into the ground and move on to the next step.
Tip: What to watch out for
- Stamping or hard landing.
- Improper landing on the edge of your heel or just on your toes.
- Turning the toe in or out during takeoff.
Does this seem like a lot of complicated information to start with? Don’t worry, we assure you that after a few weeks, natural walking will become a new pattern in your head and feet, and your developed calves and overall more natural posture of your whole body will thank you later.
Benefits of barefoot shoes
Barefoot walking will teach you to move more efficiently, which will be reflected in the overall health of your feet and body. Not only will you strengthen your leg muscles, improve your posture and gain better stability. But you will also experience a feeling of connection with nature and greater joy from every step.
We have written more about the benefits in the article Why wear barefoot shoes.
We hope that thanks to our guide, you will slowly but surely adopt a natural walking style. Switching to barefoot shoes is an investment in health and comfort. Overcome your initial fears and start the journey to freer movement today. We keep our fingers crossed for you.