If you're not one of those people who prefers to walk without shoes for long periods of time, you may find this unacceptable, and you may reluctantly accept walking barefoot at home.

But for many, walking and sporting barefoot is a daily habit.

Talking about the benefits of walking without shoes, experts say that when a child learns to walk, parents are asked to let this process happen naturally and without shoes, because shoes can affect how the child uses the muscles and bones in his foot, as the child realizes how to sense things from While walking on the ground without shoes.

Benefits of walking barefoot

"The most obvious advantage of walking barefoot is that you restore your normal walking pattern," explains Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a foot and ankle specialist and orthopedic surgeon at the Hogg Orthopedic Institute.

He added to HealthLine that walking barefoot helps control the position of your feet and improves balance, proprioception, and body awareness, which can help relieve pain.

Walking barefoot can also contribute to improving the functioning of the thighs and knees, which can improve the mechanics of the joints of the foot and ankle as well as provide sufficient strength and stability within the muscles and ligaments.

Walking barefoot helps control the position of your feet and improves balance (Getty Images)

Do shoes hurt feet?

While you're choosing a comfortable shoe that includes cushiony inserts that make you feel comfortable and walk smoothly, Dr. Bruce Pinker, board-certified podiatrist, warns that this type of shoe may prevent you from using specific muscles that can actually strengthen your body.

potential risks

Walking barefoot in your home is relatively safe, but when you go outside, you may expose yourself to potential dangers.

So it is important when you start to incorporate walking barefoot after you have spent most of your life using shoes, you should think about the surface you are walking on, as you should avoid rocky and wet or wet surfaces and hot surfaces to avoid overheating problems, and also be careful not to walk On surfaces likely to include glass or other sharp objects on the floor.

Walking barefoot can expose you to harmful bacteria or infections, especially outdoors.

Walking barefoot in your home is relatively safe, but when you go outside, you expose yourself to potential dangers (Getty Images)

Elderly people and diabetics

People with diabetes should always be careful and consult their doctor before walking without shoes, especially if they have neuropathy in the extremities, as they can get injuries on the bottom of their feet and not realize it.

How do you walk barefoot properly?

Knowing how to walk and exercise barefoot takes time, patience and correct information, so before you ditch your shoes in favor of nature, there are a few things to consider.

  • Start slowly,

     be patient and start with short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes of walking barefoot.

  • It is essential

    that you allow your feet and ankles to adapt to the new environment, and

    as your feet become accustomed to walking without shoes, you can increase the distance and time.

  • If you feel any new

    pain or discomfort,

    stop walking.

    This may indicate weakness in the foot, which requires a doctor's review.

  • Walking Indoors

    Before you try walking outside barefoot, train yourself to walk on safe surfaces in your home.

    Once you've mastered indoor use, try walking on less dangerous outdoor surfaces like grass, rubber tracks in playgrounds, and sandy beaches.

  • Use a simple shoe with a more gentle padding

    . While your foot will adjust to the dimensions and less padding in a shoe, you may want to consider using a simple shoe before walking completely barefoot.

  • Try balance exercises

    , and start with simple balance exercises like standing on one foot.

  • Try an activity that

    requires you to be barefoot.

    Take advantage of activities already performed barefoot, such as yoga, Pilates or martial arts.

  • Check your feet

    for injury, and check the bottom of your foot every day for injury, to avoid any complications.

Finally, walking barefoot while walking and exercising has some benefits, as long as you follow safety precautions and participate in moderation.

And if you have any concerns about your safety or the health of your feet, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor before exposing your bare feet to nature for an extended period of time.