Do We Really Need Footwear At All Times?

We were born to walk barefoot don’t you agree? So how did most of us forget about  going barefoot? Wearing of shoes is necessary in cold climates, for safety outdoors, for social reasons and fashion. So we do need shoes, slippers, sandals and socks for convenience, but must it be at all times?

Our feet, just like our hands are sensory organs that our bodies use for feeling and balance. Reflexology is a science that is based on the principle that there are reflex areas on the feet and hands which correspond to all organs, glands and parts of the body.  It is now gaining popularity for preventing and curing numerous health disorders. A convenient way of stimulating our feet sole is to walk around barefoot and thereby stimulate most of the reflex areas. Reflexology can also reduce stress.

The health benefits of walking barefoot are numerous but some of the most basic ones are;

• It gives better balance.
• It improves mobility and flexibility of the feet.
• It reduces incidences of foot issues caused by shoes such as bunions, corn, calluses, and flat feet.
• It makes the feet stronger and better.
• It gives your feet more air, thereby preventing infections caused by dampness such as fungus growth.

Some people don’t allow shoes into their homes for religious, cultural and social reasons, but you

may consider doing this for health and hygiene reasons. Removing your shoes at your door and walking around your house barefoot will reduce germs and dirt from outside. Our shoes carry all kinds of things that we don’t need in our homes, especially those with children who play on the floor. Leaving our shoes at designated areas will definitely make our homes sand free and dirt free. Floors also benefit.

You definitely need to wear shoes to the bathroom, toilet and most of the time, outdoors, but we should give our feet a break sometimes. Feel grounded and absorb negative electrons from the earth through your feet soles. Our forefathers definitely walked barefoot.

However, some individuals with certain health issues like diabetes may not be able to go barefoot to avoid injuries to their feet. If you wear slippers indoors, wear comfortable flip-flops. Avoid slippers with hard plastic soles which you find more in Nigerian markets. Reserve these for outdoors because they prevent slipping. For me, the best footwear at home still remains my bare feet.

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