Shoes seem pretty essential. They cover, they protect, and they pull together an awesome outfit. But, are shoes making our feet lazy? Is this really something that could be happening to our feet? We all know that we’re not born with shoes on our feet. Babies and toddlers run and walk around without shoes all the time. And if we go far enough back, humans were not always wearing shoes. Even today you can find indigenous people in the world still going barefoot. Maybe we should start up the trend too.
‘But shoes are designed to help us, right?’ I can hear everyone asking that question to themselves as they read this. It’s what I thought. But if you really think about it, it kind of makes sense; 30% of the joints in our bodies are in our feet. Our feet are the base of support for our whole body, and yet we do nothing to strengthen them. Pilates workouts are done barefoot and there really are numerous benefits to going barefoot.
- Going barefoot strengthens the stabilizing muscles of the foot and ankle
- It helps our perception of space and movement, improving our balance and natural movements
- Since going barefoot improves muscle alignment, different muscles are used when you don’t wear shoes
- Stronger arches. Shoes will support the foot’s arches but essentially does the job for the feet. The arches become weak as it no longer supports the weight of the foot
- Going barefoot does wonders for the overall health of your feet. Many of the most common foot problems are caused by shoes: bunions, corns, athlete’s foot, fallen arches, ingrown toe nails. Spending more time barefoot could reduce the chances of having these problems
The fitness and of course the fashion industries are quickly keeping up to the new studies, launching on one hand, new programs based on barefoot training (Pilates, Yoga, UgiFit, martial arts) and on the other ‘nude shoes’ and fancy socks for everyone’s taste.
If walking to work barefoot doesn’t sound appealing, I understand. Barefoot training needs to start slow; your feet are accustomed to shoes and need to readjust to going barefoot. A Pilates class is the perfect way to, as you say, get your foot in the door. Gradually as you spend more and more time each day barefoot, your muscles, tendons, and joints of the foot, ankle, and leg will become stronger. The transition can be hard and hurt but symptoms will go away as you feet adjust. And you’ll find yourself happy to take a full dance class with no shoes. After all can you imagine a ballet dancer performing with training shoes on????
Davonne Gibson
Marketing Coordinator and Studio Assistant
Reform Pilates Studios
Reform Pilates Studios 