10 things that will make your body work better when you start walking barefoot

Approximately 63% to 72% of people do not wear the right shoes for their feet, according to a 2018 study. There is evidence that shows that it is better to ditch those shoes and walk barefoot, the way your ancestors did long before the shoes were made. So it looks like it's better to spend time out in nature than to shop for another pair of shoes.

We're taking a step into the world of barefoot walking to understand the advantages of taking off your shoes and feeling the ground right under your feet.

1. Reduces hammertoes and bunions.

In order to avoid bunions, it is recommended that you walk barefoot so that you can strengthen your foot muscles and allow your feet and toes to be in their natural position.

2. Allows the muscles to have good strength and stability.

A lot of shoes have excessive cushioning and support that make you feel more comfortable walking around. However, this padding may prevent you from using certain muscle groups that can actually strengthen your body, according to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a foot surgeon.

3. Increase your body's awareness of your surroundings.

This is particularly important for babies and young children who are just learning how their bodies work. By allowing them to walk without shoes, they are more likely to get better sensory information from their feet to their brains. Adults can also benefit from this.

4. It improves sleep.

Walking barefoot outside is part of what we call earthing or grounding. It's when you're in contact with Earth's surface electrons. Earthing has been shown to have improved sleep for people who have difficulty sleeping, in a particular study.

5. It reduces stress.

The same study has also shown that earthing can reduce stress. All participants in the test study reported that their stress levels had either been significantly reduced or had completely disappeared.

6. Boosts the energy level.

Getting in touch with nature can be relaxing, so you can recharge your energy. Taking some time to be in nature can give you the energy you need to get back into modern society.

7. Allows better control of your foot position.

Walking barefoot more closely restores your 'natural' walking pattern, also known as your gait, according to Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a foot and ankle specialist and orthopedic surgeon at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute. As such, positioning your foot as it strikes the ground will be better than wearing shoes.

8. Improves your balance.

Walking barefoot is better than wearing deep cushioned shoes when it comes to balance. People 's legs become less sensitive as they age. If they've also lost touch with the ground, they might be more likely to fall, says evolutionary biologist Daniel E. Lieberman.

9. Keeps your knees, hips, and core aligned properly.

Your knees, hips, and core will be better aligned without shoes because, for example, the cushioned soles of sneakers will push your pelvis out and change your natural posture. In fact, no matter what shoes you wear, your knees, hips, and core will be shaped a little differently than the natural state.

10. It reduces pain and inflammation.

A study on the effects of earthing has shown that it can reduce pain and inflammation. It seems that contact with Earth's surface serves as an effective "battery" for you.

Knowing these benefits right now, will you try walking barefoot?