Pros and cons of walking barefoot at home

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Choosing to go barefoot at home can have both benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, it allows your feet to move more naturally, which can strengthen the muscles in your feet and legs and may improve your balance. It also offers comfort by freeing your feet from the confines of shoes. On the downside, walking barefoot increases the risk of foot injuries from stepping on sharp objects or rough surfaces. It could also lead to discomfort from inadequate support, particularly on hard flooring, and might heighten the chance of fungal infections if floors are not kept clean.

Source

Reinstein, M., Weisman, A., & Masharawi, Y. (2024). Barefoot walking is beneficial for individuals with persistent plantar heel pain: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 67(2), 101786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2023.101786

Additional Reading

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-bad-is-it-to-walk-around-barefoot-at-home-doctors-answers-may-surprise-you-goog_l_67a53315e4b02fdb05766eb6

https://www.unilad.com/news/health/doctors-warn-barefoot-people-656790-20250304

https://www.buzzfeed.com/annarahmanan/is-walking-barefoot-healthy-for-your-feet?comment_id=1575582381_1575548050

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