24/05/2026
As an Exercise Physiologist , yogi and movement geek - I specialise in brain and body exercise - not just for neurological conditions but for every*body
When we keep our feet constantly in shoes and socks, the brain starts treating them as restricted
The padded soles and pointy shoes can create sensory deprivation to the feet and can lead to toe curling, cramping, tight plantar fascia, and dystonia-like symptoms - which are very painful and can become a barrier to moving
Barefoot walking restores natural proprioception (your body’s internal sense of position and movement), wakes up the small foot muscles that have become sleepy and helps to improve balance and can reduce compensation patterns that can lead to shuffling, stiffness, reduced mobility and falls.
Studies report: barefoot or minimal footwear training improves foot strength, gait stability, sensory feedback, and overall mobility in people with neurological and age-related movement issues.
Now I know this may not be for everyone - no worries - you are the boss of you.
But if you are curious - give it a try and kick off the slippers, the pointy shoes and the sneakers that are like walking on clouds and reconnect with the ground and your feet
Make sure to have any mobility aids or support humans needed for safety and give it a try for a few minutes a day.
Release your feet, wiggle and spread your toes and see if this makes a difference for you.
Do it daily and you may notice improved foot strength, fewer cramps, improved balance, and more fluid and confident movement
***Your heels are 4 power, your toes are 4 balance***
