I Ditched Shoes for a Year - Here's Why

[@UnpluggedEva]

What are your immediate thoughts when you see people going barefoot, or wearing minimalist shoes? Would love to hear your ppves and continue the discussion ✍

[@GA669]

This is all very nice and stuff, but when are you going to post again on your main channel Travel videos?

[@captaindaedalus1]

Recently, I've been opting for bare feet more often, and every time I did, I thought of you. Sometimes it's just the simplest thing to do. There are times when shoes are needed, but why waste the time to put on shoes when I don't really need them? Oh, and to answer your question, I never see anybody, not one person, going barefoot. Would you believe it?

[@parefnyman4739]

They are either poor, OR very clever...

[@adyiteu8766]

I don't see people barefoot here in the city but I do welcome the ideea of grounding and do it where ever I can(grass/sand),have been wearing wider shoes(barefoot shoes are very expensive here) .However you do inspire me and I am beginning to love the idea of feeling stronger from my feet up...

[@IAssassin12]

Hi Eva! Great video! When I see others out and about barefoot, I think “Nice! A kindred spirit!” I stopped wearing shoes full time 25 years ago. I wear VivoBarefoot shoes for work because of a dress code. However, I will be barefoot 24/7 after I retire. 👍🏻 My overall health has greatly improved since adapting this lifestyle and I cannot imagine going back to shoes, especially as I get older. It’s good see videos like this that shed light on some of the myths out there. The Society for Barefoot Living has much content on busting the myths as well as the benefits. Check it out! 🙏🏻🙂

[@GamadonE]

I don't know who needs to hear this, but I had flatfoot -- My feet were completely flat and about 2 and a half years ago I started walking barefoot. Today, My feet have a perfect arch. I will never forget the day I stepped in a water puddle barefoot, and walked onto dry concrete and I saw my footprint and it wasnt a flat blob -- but actually a normal human footprint.

[@GamadonE]

@@kaylee.f I thankfully live in a small settlement which allows me to walk completely barefoot.. I don't even own a pair of barefoot shoes, actually. Of all things, at work I can't be barefoot as I am a gardener, but I've done daily walks between 6000 - 20000 steps a day for about a year straight to start seeing some arches growing :) I'd say about half my the daily walks i've done in the last 2 and a half years were barefoot, the rest I either had sandals on or just my shoes. DO NOT wear flip flops -- EVER. (this includes having your sandals opened in the back, EVER.)

[@lemontwelve]

​@@GamadonE why not flip flops? I'm curious, I wear them all summer

[@GamadonE]

@@lemontwelve any type of shoe that doesnt use the feet motion to stay on your foot, and forces you to hold the shoe down in place with your toes with every step is plain unhealthy in my experience, it makes your half your feet muscles useless and makes the other half too strong. I was using flipflops while my feet were still flat, havent since and I dont miss em. :)\ It's also a lot less work not putting on shoes or flipflips when going places ;)

[@lemontwelve]

@@GamadonE makes sense! Thx for the reply

[@Briccibracci]

It's true. I was in orthopedic shoes since I was a child untill a few years back I started walking barefoot. In two years time my arches were how they're supposed to be and I no longer have flat feet. My feet and ankles are stronger than ever.

[@dancan6622]

My barefoot journey started 2 years ago at age 60. after 15 years of chronic disabilitating back pain when I retired I did not bother puting on shoes while working around the house and found that my back did not hurt anymore. I now hike and run trails barefoot and am 99% barefoot. My only regret is that I did know this before and my best advice is to take those foot coffins OFF, but very gradualy

[@ginasaltina]

foot coffins 😂❤

[@lelawarren2356]

I applaud you for living your own life and not allowing money/KZbin/social pressures dictate how you live. You’re inspiring and making the right decision. You rock. 💯😊😘

[@psilocybina_]

I think people really don't understand how much they're missing out on when they never try to do anything barefoot, this is sooooo sensory pleasant!

[@svr5423]

A lot of pain and suffering. We wear (good) shoes for a reason. It protects our feet, enhances our resiliance and the amount of power we can transfer as well as the weight we can carry.

[@wanderful_luna]

A few years ago I was told by a podiatrist that I needed orthotics and that I could no longer walk around barefoot. I did not heed his advice! I am now planning to walk the 800km Camino de Santiago in Spain in September and one of my training tools is simply walking barefoot when feasible or in barefoot shoes/zero drop trail runners. Fortunately I found a holistic podiatrist who supported my journey. To me it just makes sense!

[@karrys.1912]

buen camino :)

[@basilbrushcam]

This is true, here in Australia it is not uncommon for people to go barefoot out and about in the malls, public transport, movies, etc, and is quite acceptable in most places and states as part of our culture 👍

[@K008gr]

However, here in Greece, it's the exact OPPOSITE. As much as I'd love to go barefoot, you just CAN'T. Yes, even indoors, they force you to keep your shoes on, except in your own house I guess... They'll just tell you: "Put your shoes on! Your feet will get dirty!" Like, you know the drill... 😑

[@ronwilson896]

I'm an Aussie and I don't wear shoes unless I have to. I can't believe you go to the movies barefoot though. the carpet must be gross and sticky.

[@rainsofhealing]

Grounding is a VERY life changing thing and ties in directly with the barefoot topic. There’s even a documentary about it that comes highly recommended!

[@thedanistan5889]

I so love how you are approaching this subject with openness, and without lecturing. You make me wanna give this a try!

[@annatomalik9958]

❤ I also switched to barefoot and minimalist shoes a couple years ago. And I never look back! When I’m barefoot, I feel so stable and energized from the ground. And the whole body feels more aligned. 🐾

[@polinaraw]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’ve been wearing close to zero drop and minimalist shoes for the past 5 years and I’m never going back!

[@Jacek_videos]

There's nothing shocking about Eva. She's a decent person with great personality an her videos are fantastic !

[@criffree]

I went barefoot a lot as a child and young adult. I used to call it "summer feet" once the calluses built up. Loved freshly mowed grass, and having the green stains on my feet afterwards

[@johannamillerde]

Thank you so much for this video! As a body and movement coach I deal a lot with the (negative) impact modern shoes have on the whole posture and freedom to move with ease. It is really hard though to ‚convince‘ people that they do not need all that „support“ shoe marketing promises. So thanks you for talking about it and bringing awareness to the topic! 🙏

[@danwei999]

I am new to this channel, so I am a little late to this discussion. I really appreciate this video. It gives me some insight into previous experiences. After I graduated from college and started my working life, I decided that I needed to find some kind of exercise to keep myself healthy. I was never athletic, so it took a while for me to find things that I was comfortable with. The three things I ended up doing were traditional karate, aikido, and yoga. All three were practiced completely barefoot and I never had a problem with my feet. About 15 years later, I had a shift in my career and I had to give up on these practices. I eventually purchased my first pair of exercise shoes and joined a gym. That first year I had a host of issues related to exercising in shoes, included a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis and a bout of patella tendonitis. I still have occasional issues when I run or use an elliptical machine.

[@tberry9535]

Love it! I go barefoot daily as I practice earthing/grounding. Walking barefoot directly on earth (grass, sand or dirt) eliminates inflammation. My health has improved tremendously over the past 11 months.

[@overland_adventure_nz]

You’re spot on, the best thing is no shoes or Barefoot shoes to let ones feet utilise all the muscles in one’s feet. Almost six years ago I had a bad accident cycling to work, resulting in severe traumatic brain injury. Since my accident my balance has suffered outdoors, despite asking specialist and doctors why I had a problem with my balance outside my home and didn’t have a balance problem in the home! They kept saying I was scared of the outdoors because of my brain injury? It turned out I was barefoot at home, so one day I walked outside in my bare feet and no more balance issues. Since I have walked outside in my bare feet or barefoot shoes. Life changing. Still unable to work because of my brain injury but now I can enjoy the outdoors again walking.

[@captaindaedalus1]

I never would have thought to do a video about the hazards of shoes and the benefit of bare-footedness. Your amazing, and it's good to learn something new.

[@siminadragota841]

I always like to take my shoes off whenever possible. Lately, because of you I try to do it more often and it makes me feel more grounded and free❤

[@drubber007]

Surprised you didn't mention the fact that when you are barefoot you are grounded which has so many benefits.

[@katdance2106]

This barefoot idea has interested me immensely after reading born to run by Christopher McDougal (much like one of the lady’s you interviewed). Honestly changed my perspective like crazy as I’m only in my 20’s and already have so much discomfort and pain in my feet. I’m in the process of trying out barefoot shoes in the hopes that it helps. Loved this video. It reaffirmed my decision 🥰

[@sharonalexa]

Good for you @Eva. My whole life I have been barefoot in the house, except when outside I wear cushioned ROXY flip flops. I never wear running shoes or heels. In the winter months I wear Hunter Boots (snow) 🇨🇦. My feet are healthy and look like they did when I was 16. I’m almost 60 now. Cheers

[@trailrvs]

I know up here in Wisconsin they are essential for work and for much of the year, the cold temperatures make them a safety requirement.

[@thomasperez365]

Hi Eva, I had feet issues like hallux valgus that hurt me a lot in the past few years, and never before. I hadn't realized that was because of shoes (I used to walk barefoot most of the time back then). Thanks to you, talking about barefoot lifestyle, I finally connected the dots and started wearing minimalist (vivo) shoes. And just like that, no more pain ! It does take some training because classic shoes have made the feet weaker, but withing a few weeks it strengthened my feet and ankles a lot ! Also, my style of walking no longer hurts my knee because most of the impact is absorbed by the foot -as it's supposed to- so thank you for pointing me in the right direction 🙏🏽

[@TKevinBlanc]

(Try Xero shoes when you need another pair. Another great brand. I love the hiking sandals.)

[@juliasaller2381]

Oh I loved that episode! Thank you for informing the World about this! After a lot of pain in my toes from my beloved Doc Martens and regularly twisting my ankle I switched to barefoot shoes and walking barefoot. My tendons and muscles are stronger, I am much closer to the ground and have much more control over my walking and balance. recently I went trekking for 2 weeks with my Vivos with no ankle support, after everyone telling you that's what you need. Cramming your feet into tiny shoes with the thickest socks. And you will basically die without that precious ankle support. I hated that as a child, feeling more unsafe with those shoes. So I hiked in barefoot shoes without a single problem. Strong feet, strong legs, no blisters and no injuries at all. Now I am hardcore connecting with people wearing barefoot shoes or even the exact same shoe that I got. It's so much fun how geeky we can become :D It's a different world and changed my way of walking.

[@Kelsea-2002]

Welcome back Eva.🤗If I wear shoes, then only high-quality barefoot shoes. As soon as the weather and environment allows, however, I do not wear them.

[@alexandral6273]

I’m definitely not ready, but it’s extremely interesting ! Thank you Eva ! 😘

[@harald7353]

I have always loved to go barefoot. Ditching the shoes completely for a few months every summer is the best I have ever done for myself!

[@jowiens32]

This was super interesting! Thank you! You put so much work in to your videos and it doesn’t go unnoticed. 🏆

[@kerrywilliams3753]

I noticed your bare feet a long time ago, and commented on it. Today I drove my motorbike in the Oregon Cascades until snow blocked the road, then walked 4 miles in and 4 miles out, to a beautiful mountain meadow, mostly snow-covered. No bears, unfortunately. Now I'm home, sore bare feet, and I've walked way too much the last 60 years, mostly in good boots. But sometimes barefoot. I remember my feet hurt so much walking in the Washington Olympics I tied my boots to my pack and finished my 30-mile day barefoot. It's good to hear from you!

[@sylvee2]

So how is the foot care? Do you just let foot callous build and leave it alone? And if you do do you still moisturize your feet atleast so they dont look ashy?

[@karrys.1912]

I grew up mostly being barefeet. I do a lot of hiking/running & walking in the Caribbean. I've been using barefoot shoes for the past few months and it's been fantastic! I don't care to go back to wearing running/hiking with thicker soles. In fact, I tested my old running shoes on a run and I had so much pain. I still wear high heels mostly because I still like them and never for a long period of time but I've noticed that I can't wear closed toed high heels because the shape of my feet have widened and closed toe high heels are just uncomfortable now. Since my shoe change, my feet have gotten stronger and the muscles in my legs do look for defined. Hope you find what works for you. :)

[@longbow1]

Hi Eva Used to sell hiking shoes and boots for a living so figured i could say something here, we were trained to allow for certain leeways and tolorences as when you go on long walks your feet tend to spread and swell up, as such the products I used to sell were mostly there to support and protect feet while allowing for room to spread much like it would naturally. Fashion shoes i agree are always squishing and tight, infact i can rarely wear most fashion brands and have moved to more, trainery walking shoe build shoes for that reason. Boots also have the advantage of protecting ankles from any damage from awkward inclines or slipping such as spraining. That being said, Barefoot campsite walking or on the beach, garden strolls or just at home, i can get behind, i just feels good sometimes or just wearing something to just protect the soles of the feet that isn't too restrictive.

[@danherrick5785]

Here is the problem with above-the-anke footwear. I wore them for 20 years of more. HUGE mistake. . When I finally stopped wearing them, my ankles were so weak. It took 6 months to a year of pain in my ankles to gain their strength back. I understand it was stupid, but that;s what I am, stupid.

[@IonIsFalling7217]

Yeah, we have ground cactus and rattlesnakes and I feel waaaaay more comfortable in hiking boots! But I did get “barefoot” ones and they don’t give me such pain in my arches and across the balls of my feet when I’m walking/hiking.

[@longbow1]

@@danherrick5785 Exactly, I only highlighted them for specific uses on rough ground, any other time its probobly healthier not to wear em

[@LanaOkeaness]

Great video!! Been "barefoot" for just under 5 years now (triggered by multiple ankle injuries). In case you are looking for good barefoot brands, here's the only 3 pairs I own. My fave "Jesus sandals" by Earth Runners. Hiking shoes and dressy flat shoes both by Xero Shoes. Absolutely love those two companies. I also know that Vivobarefoot is very high quality as well, however, I have high arches and most of their shoes are just too thin for me! Hope this helps more people get into barefoot living! it is such a great idea and it makes me so happy every time I get to go on a hiking trail barefoot, especially after a rainy day!

[@brettrohlfingvideo]

I wish she had talked about the zero drop thing more. I'm currently dealing with some serious back issues, and it's believed that it's due to traditional shoe's heel heights. Even if you can't pull off minimalist shoes, get some zero drop shoes like altra or topo.

[@HosCreates]

I traded in my cowgirl boots for a lower heel drop , you've got to ease your way into them slowly or it hurts !

[@roger80303]

I'm recovering from bunion surgery as I write this. I've been to 4 podiatrists in the last 2 years and each said that my habit of going barefoot contributed to my pain. They agreed that wearing stiff-soled, zero drop shoes (like Altra) would be better. The last one said she's seeing an increase in barefoot runners needing surgeries and feels all this talk about going barefoot tends to have more negative consequences than positive ones. Perhaps Eva is right, but if so, it is frustrating because that means my doctors are wrong and can't be trusted.

[@denverdubois5835]

I think different feet have different needs. I can't do barefoot as a lifestyle. I have very flat feet, and they are also extremely sensitive and kind of skinny--narrow, without a lot of natural cushioning either. So they get tired and don't "toughen up", no matter how much I walk barefoot. I'm also clumsy; on the rare occasions I've tried to stay barefoot a lot, I got a nasty cut one time, and a broken toe another. I've also had knee issues due to weight (my own damn fault) and until I get thin again, going barefoot makes them worse. Lastly, I live in a very ghetto city--there's no way I would walk barefoot on our streets. I'd step on a hypodermic needle, a used condom and I'd probably get a horrible infection to boot. All that said, I love going barefoot in appropriate situations, like on grass or the beach. And I NEVER wore cruel shoes--not even when I was young and thin. Never a higher heel than 2" and that only for a special occasion; and I chose either handmade vintage shoes which fit me like a glove, or orthopedic heels which were as comfy as heels can be. 99% of the time I wear awesome comfort shoes and always have. So I actually don't have any foot problems at all, which at my age and with a weight problem, is really awesome.

[@rolandscherer1574]

I have never heard such nonsense. This is money making. Normal feet feel most comfortable barefoot, African endurance runners are so fast because they are used to running barefoot. However, feet that are used to shoes are more sensitive to sharp objects. Therefore, the soles of the feet may need to be protected, but the arch of the foot benefits from the muscle development that shoes prevent.

[@gigibenea3529]

If you look back in time ..almost WWI....and even after ..and even today...the majority of the people did not have the '" luxury" to have a pair of shoes ...

[@Tribuneoftheplebs]

I enjoy barefoot shoes for walking and doing short runs but for anything long and intensive I do like to use Altra escalante shoes.

[@Rick-ih7wp]

Any doctor who says that going barefoot is in any way bad outside of industrial hazards is a QUACK.

[@chrisw6337]

I grew up in New Zealand and barely wore shoes until I was 10 and we moved to Europe. Many kids went barefoot and it was normal at school. My feet are really wide with a high instep and shoe fitting has been a lifelong problem - I destroy them. I still spend as much time as possible barefoot. It’s a pity there is such social prejudice against it.

[@Tribuneoftheplebs]

Have you tried Hurache style sandals? Closest thing to barefoot. Only shoes I wear

[@deca12351]

Love this video !! I'm 67 years old and I've never been a big fan of shoes !! I'm loving this video because when I first started watching you on your adventures around the world one of the first things I noticed about you was that you were mostly barefoot around your campsites and your walking adventures, you reminded me of myself !! So this video is you through and through ! God bless you Eva

[@vazzovisuals5362]

Appreciate you a lot! Most people who talk about these things forget about it when they get followers

[@monikazapala1776]

I'm very tall, my boyfriends and now my husband have always been shorter than me. I used it as an excuse not to wear high heels. But I felt somehow worse for it. Like I'm never allowed or able to be fully elegant or feminine. Subconsciously, I was embarrassed. And that's only one issue. Another is: since I'm tall, my shoe size is 41-42, or 43 with some sizes. I used to have problems finding my size (it's been better in recent years), so I wore some "cute" shoes, which were too small. Thanks to that I have a bunion and a Haglund's deformity now... I wish I knew better.

[@bubblesandhayes]

I've been in minimalist sandals for about 5 years now and love love love how it's helped my ankles, feet legs, and the feeling I get from it. Once upon a time, I was the heel queen with quite the collection. I feel out of following society and started living simple. I did the whole minimalist thing and cleaned out my clothes, shoes and life. I would go barefoot my entire life, and do any chance I get, however law here says must wear shoes when driving in our state and most places have sign "no shirt no shoes no service" all bs if u ask me but u do like my minimalist sandals for now til I can live more free!!! ❤

[@ChaiTogether]

Love this video, happy you created your channel! 😊❤🎉

[@vvtv4565]

I bought my first pair of minimalist shoes 9 months ago and now I can no longer wear "traditional" shoes. It's amazing how quickly my feet have strengthened and transformed. During this time I've identified some of my physical health ailments stemmed from my footwear. I know own several barefoot shoes from a few different brands. My favorites are the Kami's from Wildlings. The sole's on Wildlings are unlike any other shoe on market, allowing my foot flex and bend as they would when I'm actually barefoot. Fortunately now are now a lot of barefoot shoe options out there that just look like normal shoes so we can blend in when we're in the urban environments.

[@hannahavrefras1914]

I think part of why I love playing beach volleyball is because you don’t wear shoes. You just use your feet and run freely, and I do feel more connected to the ground and nature by doing that. Thanks for talking about this subject!

[@jbgood7694]

I walk barefoot everywhere, in restaurants, stores and airplanes. I hike barefoot too. It’s extremely healthy. Ive had a few nicks and scrapes but never had a problem with glass. Even when walking right on it. If you want walk barefoot then take it easy. Your feet will gradually toughen up. Now I can walk on course sand and some gravel. I don’t walk barefoot in extreme cold or extreme heat. In the past few years peoples attitudes towards Barefeet have changed and I have 17:13 no problem walking barefoot in public. Just a lot of odd stares of disbelief.

[@hlrapoza]

I used to be a personal gardener/landscaper and always used toe shoes. 10 hours a day of walking, climbing, pushing, pulling - just steady functional movement and my ankles and feet were so strong. Never any pain! Since then I've gotten an office job and still refuse to wear heels. But get this, I bought my first pair of Birkenstocks late last summer and within weeks started to have knee pain. That molded footbed just wasn't working for me. Back to the flat sandals or toe shoes and everything resolved.

[@TrilbyPiper]

I have always loved being bare foot - I either have no shoes, flip flops or sandals. But, I’m also a professional dog walker. For some reason last winter, after all my clients telling me I should ‘get proper shoes’ I listened and started wearing walking boots and trainers. Anyway…. In January I had to stop walking because I had multiple stress fractures in my right foot. I told the doctor that I’d started wearing proper shoes and he told me to go back to wearing flip flops because with the boots I wasn’t engaging the muscles in my feet so they weren’t supported! I’m back to my old ways now and after 5 months of recovery, I finally feel fit and healthy again! Bare foot woo!

[@rickymcdaniel7971]

In 2010 I did a raft/kayak trip through the Grand Canyon. It took 19 days for our little group to run the 276 miles of river. I was concerned about having skin issues from my feet being constantly wet, so I kept a pair of sandals handy but was barefoot most of the time. By the time I got back home, my feet had changed somewhat dramatically, exactly as you have described the changes in your feet. My feet felt like they what were meant to be. Unfortunately, back in civilization, I had to conform to the norms and go back to wearing shoes and within a short time my toes were more bunched up and became the mostly useless appendages that they had been. I've been retired now for 2 weeks. I bought some nice sandals that don't bunch up my toes. Maybe I'll work my way into being a barefoot "hippie" on all but the coldest of days?

[@kebert]

I switch to Vivobarefoot shoes about 7 or 8 years ago. After a couple month adjustment period, ALL my back and knee pain went away and I can be on my feet all day without issues. In 2019, we moved onto 20 acres and I’ve been periodically going barefoot when I can and there is something to be said about grounding to the earth when you are walking around barefoot. It’s very empowering.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

I totally agree with this. I wear a 16 6E and my right foot is deformed from wearing "Safety" shoes while working. I go barefoot as much as possible. There is a huge difference in the way that my body feels from shoes to no shoes. Here in the US, it is seen as dirty or unhygienic, so it is looked down upon, but I so very much love to be bare foot!

[@HosCreates]

my hubby is getting bunions from his safety boots but without them he wouldn't have toes 😬working sheet metal for hvac is slicey dicey !

[@joncothranphotography9375]

@@HosCreates Might I suggest a wider shoe? Keen makes a wider toe box. My problem is that they don't make anything over a 14 anymore.

[@ajdachua]

Oh my! This is such a good video! Bravo! I started using minimalist shoes more than 1 year ago and since than other pairs remain unused. :) Thank you for making such a great 💗💓💓👣👣👣👣👣👣

[@louibeans]

Thank you for making this a topic. I switched to barefoot shoes this year and I'm never going back.

[@searchingforwonder]

This is a great overview, thankyou for sharing your perspective (And that of your guests). I have been using the barefoot/minimalist shoes for 5 years now, hiking up mountains, ultra marathons etc and have no intention of switching back. It interesting watching others walk in "regular" shoes now, they don't look stable to me as the foot lifts and falls on the floaty foam cushions. I had to use some regular shoes recently when I went to a bowling alley and needed to rent their shoes........it felt so odd, almost like I imagine high heels might feel. My toes were so crammed up I had to ask for a couple sizes up to make them tolerable. All the best with your adventures folks.

[@anmahek]

I love that you mentioned sneakers, because... I'm no for heels, but I do love a good protective pair of running shoes. I've tried barefoot on mountains and on fields, that's kinda easy, but still... I fear injuries like cuts, or getting fungi, or also stepping on dirty stuff like in cities. Geezus.

[@StochasticGreen]

Barefoot running shoes are great for that but it can take some time to get used to so don't go gun ho if you decide to transition.

[@dob1662]

Hi Eva, it's wonderful to see you again and with such a positive message, as you say we have had millions of years to develop our feet, and now we abuse them with fashion, PS, you're looking good 😉🥰

[@wallypeffercorn]

Finally!!! An Eva video!!! And yeah. I have gone for a minimal shoe lately and would like to go barefoot but my work won't allow it.

[@mariegeiser5279]

After about 2 years of wearing exclusively barefoot shoes, my feet have now widened and lengthened a full half size! I went through my old shoes a while ago, and had to donate most of them because they no longer fit. My feet are so much healthier for it though!

[@annaariza1575]

Love this topic! Thanks for the wonderful videos you make Eva! I really like to walk barefoot, it feels so good. However, I live in a city and people drop a lot of glass and other things on the streets unfortunately.. :(

[@Anonym_34_]

Love your new formate!!

[@777FreakyD]

I have extremely high arches. I never had issues with my feet until i started working from home during covid and stopped wearing shoes. Problem was resolved after using house shoes with appropriate arch support.

[@sidilicious11]

I have extremely high arches too. My wet footprint on a flat surface has no connection along the side of my foot. But I’ve never had sore arches from going barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes. It’s pretty much all I wear anymore. I have several styles of Xero Shoes. Good luck!

[@MermaidWannaBe301]

I think it also has alot to do with society's expectations when it comes to shoes. Not being able to walk into a fancy place without proper footwear etc. I am a swimming teacher so I spend a lot of my time barefoot, my foot got a lot more muscular/broader and I always thought that was a bad thing because I would not be able to wear my covered shoes comfortably again. Wearing them after a long time of just being barefoot/wearing slippers gave me so much pain and blisters. Trying to find the balance between needing to wear covered shoes and being comfortable with my broader muscular feet.

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

It's true that people never think about less support, I'd definitely never thought of it. All we know is more support, even though when other parts of our body aren't right, we try to fix them. I do wanna say that for people like myself who overpronate, you're probably going to have a bad time, but that's not a reason to give up. I've had to completely change how I walk and I have to actively hold my ankles up so they don't collapse inward. It is getting better, going for regular walks and doing little exercises has helped, but I did sprain my left foot in 2016 and never rehabbed it, so that foot is weaker than my right foot and has some issues. It sucks, it would be nice to just put on my stability shoes and walk without any issues, but I don't want to depend on those ugly shoes or get orthotics to wear for the rest of my life. I'm still early into my transition and I imagine it will be a long time before I can be on my feet all day without support, but I'm determined to get there!

[@merkeet]

Been walking on barefootshoes (fivefingers) for the last 1,5 year. My feet, ankles, legs and back got much stronger and I got way more balance and grip than before. I also love the tactile feeling such shoes be able give. Whenever I wear 'normal' shoes nowadays I imediately want to wear the barefoots.

[@SarahKchannel]

I walked pretty much all my life bare feet,o or just in slippers. Never had any leg, joint or feet problems... with except of split toes and cracked dried skin. I am past 50 now I wont change.

[@willmarotta4525]

I am so pleased to see you post something, now I know you are alive and kicking.

[@nottheone582]

I really love Reebok's Nano X training shoes - they have a foot-shaped toebox and are quite flat, practically no cushioning. they're a nice go-between typical cushioned trainers and a barefoot shoe if you're an athlete and not ready to fully convert to barefoot. They solved a lot of my knee and back issues while still allowing me to perform my sport to a high level.

[@rockjockchick]

Thanks!

[@paulmann1440]

Brilliantly educational. Thank you Eva!

[@noelh2918]

Goodness, Eva, you are a talented and accomplished videographer. Very interesting.

[@TilmanBaumann]

For me it was quite life changing to switch to rather thin leather shoes. I love running without cushoning. But they still bind my toes. Recently I started walking around in Moroccan Balgha slippers. But I they fall apart too quickly if you actually use them in all weather.

[@WorldT]

I am in process of getting used to minimalist shoes. I am a runner but have not yet ditched the shoes yet. I always barefoot around house always. Preferred that way. Once i get used to minmalist shoes I plan to wear those all the time in the day to day stuff. Then move into slowly running with them.. May take a while but like to make it a journey, thanks on sharing

[@TechOutAdam]

I'm at the point where I'm going to design and make my own shoe because I've tried two different "barefoot" shoe brands and have had an amazing experience. My knee health has improved dramatically. I used to go on runs with Asics or Nike and my knees would just be throbbing. Now I run faster, run longer, have zero knee pain, feel more muscles being worked and overall feel better.

[@randyvining8101]

I grew up a country boy. We only wore shoes to church on Sunday. As I got older and got a good job and could afford shoes, I actually bought them and wore them because I could. It was a sign to me that I was not poor anymore. At 62 I am back to barefoot or Bedrocks when I need some bottom protection.

[@talesfromtheleashexpatdogl1426]

Some of the most liberating things I’ve done as a woman is stop wearing makeup, chop off my long hair, quit shaving my underarms(love my silky hairy pits), wearing only comfy clothes and leave the US. I only wear Birkenstocks, hiking boots & zero shoes. I fly a lot therefore I walk a lot. Most shoes rub blisters on my feet. I was always barefoot as a child. I think being barefoot can induce happiness

[@nonbinarybard]

i live in a city and when it's warm, i love walking barefoot! especially around the part of the city where i live, though i have to be careful of broken glass that seems to manifest literally everywhere :D last year i had some old people in a tram comment "what a poor person, they don't have any shoes!" as if that wasn't very much on purpose :D

[@MJLangdon175]

I went bare foot for the first time about a week ago. Normally I suffer with knee pain and dislocation as well as back pain. When walking bare foot all my pain has gone, apart from the odd stone stabbing into my foot, but I know the skin will thicken in time and this pain will disappear as well. It has also helped with my depression, possibly because of the ‘earthing’ effect people talk about.

[@RyanMWilliams]

Do you find that your feet now land toes first or are you landing heal first when you run barefoot?

[@jeffhouse2031]

Also feet don't really stink in and of themselves. Its when they are cooped up in synthetic or otherwise shoes all day and most the night, and are not allowed to breathe that the bacteria goes crazy thus producing the stench.

[@UnpluggedEva]

THIS

[@timriley4543]

Eva - You need your own show. Oh, you do have your own show. Thanks for that.

[@Cant_find_good_Handle]

For those with plantar fasciitis or heal spurs I think I have found a great combo of shoes and supports that have worked perfect for me. I had a lot of problems with my heals hurting a lot worse when I was getting out of the Army. I got back from Afghanistan about 6 months before I officially got out of the Army. On my vacation to Japan after getting back I had a hard time walking and had to sit down a lot do to foot pain. I tried running on the weekends in barefoot five toe shoes to help my feet get stronger, and it made my feet worse. When I was doing my exit physical for the VA I found out that I had a heal spur. I tried everything, but then thru trial and error I discovered a combo that works well. I can run several times a week, and work a warehouse manager job requiring me to stand most the day. My feet almost never hurt now. I use adrenaline brooks shoes. But I get the wide so my feet can spread out more. I also use both loops at the top of the laces to help them fit snugly to my ankles. I then got the Kroger brand plantar fasciitis half length heal inserts. Not the full length ones. The ones I get are the blue cheap gel ones. I put the heal inserts underneath my shoe insert that way they stay in place where I don’t half to worry about adjusting them every time I use them. I have found that the inserts can be used for much longer and outlast several pairs of shoes despite being cheep Kroger brand ones. My shoes start to pronate or warp to the side after a few months so I have to change my shoes out ever three to four months if working out a few times a week. I only do mile and a half runs or 20 minutes on the elliptical plus weights. With plantar fasciitis inserts in shoes that already are recommended for people with plantar fasciitis your probably only get about 2/3 the mileage out of them. If they start to warp over to the side a little it does not effect me that much. But I typically buy three or four pairs of the same shoe at a time so I always have at least one pair that is brand new I can compare them to as they warp gradually over time. But I think swapping them out every three months with moderate exercise would work fairly well too. But all in all I found that this is a great combination between these philosophies as I am able to land more on the front of my foot when running because of the extra space for my toes while also having more heal support when I am walking. I typically only ware tennis shoes but I use the same inserts on the rare occasions I ware more fancy shoes.

[@PoodleParti]

I have to find out her thoughts on sleeping on the floor. I started thinking about that after finding out about the shoes last year. Beds are probably making our whole bodies weak.

[@JaniceWithTheTarlovCysts]

As a child I was always barefoot because I grew up in the bush, literally. One time I had to see a podiatrist and he said my feet were so wide because of growing up being barefooted outside 🤦‍♀️ I actually inherited my Father's feet, it wasn't from being barefoot. I worked at Bata Shoe head office and a few times a year they'd put on a fashion show featuring their cheap shoes. I remember Mrs. Bata telling us how excited she was meeting a Woman in China who had her feet bound as a child; I felt sick when she showed us the slides.🤢 How could anyone be excited over something so barbaric? They eventually opened a shoe museum in Toronto; I never had any desire to visit it.

[@PGBlanks]

Been on barefoot shoes for over half a year now and they've really changed my life! I had bad heel / knee pain that gradually went away and now I'm just moving a lot more at the age of 30 than I ever have.

[@wovendreams4058]

I think you bring up really good points regarding shoes, but walking around in cities barefoot may not be the best idea due to pesticides, pollution, dirt, etc . . . Shoes were created for a reason. Our feet absorb so much!

[@s.b200]

If it was more normal for people to walk bare foot, Im can see our collective behaviour would change over time. Keeping cities more tidy and clean, since we dont want to walk on filthy surfaces. Maybe more green areas with grass or packed soil to walk on?

[@wovendreams4058]

​@@s.b200 Potentially if you live in an extremely small town/commune where everyone who lives there agrees with the same ideals, then maybe . . . But cities with hundreds of thousands of people . . . that just isn't a realistic expectation. Bacteria and disease is a part of life no matter how clean people are. I believe in the importance of earthing and letting your feet free, but going completely shoeless seems to forget the original point of why our ancestors created shoes in the first place- to protect your feet from the elements and reduce infection/disease. We can see from studying the past that even more nature based cultures had some form of shoe.

[@s.b200]

@@wovendreams4058 Yeah, thats a good point. I agree =)

[@rockjockchick]

@@wovendreams4058 yes. Agreed. One thing to remember though is that shoes were made to fit that person’s foot individually by themselves or a cobbler. They weren’t using shoes that were produced for masses with skinny toe boxes usually (sometimes though depending on the fashion then).

[@wovendreams4058]

@@rockjockchick I agree, and I didn't say anything in my previous comments comparing today's shoes with shoes in the past. In todays world where there are 1000s of options, there are options to buy shoes custom made for your foot as well. It all depends on what you want out of a shoe.

[@stefan1924]

I can recommend the books by Katy Bowman. She talks about barefoot walking, but also generally moving more (and better) in day to day life. She's the best resource about these things I ever found.

[@Taco-o9i]

I also walk barefoot sometimes, on remote trails in Mexico. I would just use caution on some of those types of trails because there are rocks that stick out of the trail, 1-2 inches above the surface that you dont always see. You can accidentally jam your toe into those types of rocks, like I did once. I ended up jamming my big toe badly and it was bleeding a lot, which made me have to walk back to my car and stop the hike. Just make sure you are very cognizant of those kinds of hazards when grounding, without shoes. Outside of that issue, I think its so much better to connect with the earth this way.

[@jmsaylor22]

I got my pup a year ago, lots of daily walks where she is getting me into shape. All summer I was wearing sandals and felt fine but when colder Colorado started moving in I switched to running shoes and boy did the shin splints start with those things. I bought a couple of pairs of Altra’s cause there are no real heel lift, a real size toe box, the have been great. Every now and then my shins will start to bother me but then I start paying attention to my stride and they go away. I think the heel lift was really causing the problem. Perhaps one day I will switch to barefoot shoes. Oh and I wore orthotics all my life and haven’t felt a need for them the last 600 miles with the new shoes.

[@billpetersen298]

Training is good. I just went from garibaldi lake campground to panorama ridge, about 15km, 1500m to 2130m elevation. Most of the way barefoot, in my skivies, and a hat. Three quarters of it was snow, that was a blast. The patches of sharp rock, is what messed up my feet. Then the further 9km down to 680m with packs. Running on the trail, almost naked, you can really move.

[@Kevin-rz6lm]

I've been watching you over on your travel channel, and now this. You have been roaming around my part of the country (Utah), but I have not reached out. Now for shoes. I am 67 yo. When I was in high school and university I competed in the middle distance runs, then tried my hand at road races including marathons. Shoes were and still are a big deal even though I no longer compete due to heart attacks while running in 2015. I have had your shoe discussion many times with my running mates. We concluded the same things you did. Keep in mind, when I first started running in the 1960's shoes were simply primitive. We experimented with barefoot running, but could only race in very limited venues due to race regulations. You probably don't know about Abebe Bikila, the Ethiopian marathoner who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 1960 & 64, both barefoot. I guess one can do that when they weigh 45 kg's and there is not much weight to impact the foot. Consider this before you try running any distance barefoot, and what surface it is you plan to run. We found that running on well groomed golf courses was the only way to safely race barefoot. Anything else presents hazards to foot health. Support is a problem on hard surfaces as are blisters. Callouses were of little help when running long distances because they would be worn down very quickly. Small rocks and pebbles were a particular unavoidable hazard, not to mention sharp metal objects. So we stuck to golf course runs. As for the design of the current models of shoes, they are way too narrow. Of course, manufacturers do that to cut production costs. But that doesn't help the runner. And trying to find shoes wide enough seems like is no longer an option. Race shoes are minimalist shoes. Try on a pair. Its like they don't exist on your feet. But they are designed for race track surfaces. Good, one problem is already solved. Rock climbing shoes are far too minimalist and would fall apart after the first 100 meters. But what about road races and trail running? And for me, what about kicking around town, and hiking? Not much available. So if you know of a source I would like to try it. I desperately need wider shoes of the running or cross training variety. I would like to use my little toes for balance instead of just for beauty (joke). You're travelling east, but I doubt you'll finish that goal. It is just too nice out here, and you already know that in your heart. You are just too attracted to those young Montana rodeo cowboys. (Did somebody say COUGAR?) Drop by my house in the mountains when you're in town and we can compare feet (joke). We are civilized, I promise. If you need a warm shower and guest room, give me a heads up. I can DM on FB and follow your page already. I think I told you once already I taught in Minsk as a Fulbright professor when you were 3 yo in Poland.

[@sarahr9181]

Many establishments are “no shoes, no service” as they fear a lawsuit if there is broken glass or something comparable on the floor. Kind of makes it challenging

[@serpenthydra]

Been barefoot since 2010 and despite some teething issues, having been shod for almost two decades at that point, it's now my preferred state and I feel much healthier for it. And it's free! Pity the shoes are so expensive, but seeing as my use of them is minimal I'm hoping they last longer than regular footwear.

[@stephanierogacki758]

What did it for me to stop walking around barefoot is when I got deep infested warts from walking around Florida barefoot. Not even in undeveloped areas, just like outside around the house and stuff. The warts took years to go away. I thought to myself, there's no way I'd want to deal with that again. But I will be looking into a pair of minimalist shoes, thanks Eva!

[@DerekArmsden]

I'm 62 and ditched shoes decades ago. When asked about it, and I often am, I say that shoes were invented so people could explore beyond their villages, over the surrounding mountains or deserts, but we have now paved, tiled, carpeted or grassed every surface I encounter in suburban Australia. Shoes are redundant in urban life. I'll wear them in the rain or on 40°C days on bitumen, but otherwise… nup. I have an arthritic knee and was sent to a physiotherapist who HATED that I only wore slip-on flat soled shoes, and was shocked when I informed him I was only wearing any kind of shoe at all because I was visiting him. Oh no, I needed built up, cushioned, supportive sports style shoes, he insisted. So I bought the cheapest ones I could find and wore them on my visits to him, and never again after the sessions ended.

[@joshuadavid985]

Years ago I constantly reinjured my ankle while wearing tennis shoes and running. A friend of mine suggested vibrams as they helped him heal and strengthen his hips,knees, and ankle. I did and I haven't turned back. I love minimal shoes like vibrams going on 10 years and don't roll my ankle anymore and feel so much more balanced.

[@RMay-i3p]

What foot balm/ cream do you recommend? I’m dealing with deep cracks in my heels since being back in the PNW (winter)I’ve been barefoot or sandals for about a year and loving it.

[@jasonwest3283]

I don’t do slow and gradual. When I decided to go barefoot 7 years ago, I did it instantaneously. No half measures for me! But that’s my perspective and personality. If I would have had access to rockets when I was learning to ride a bike, I would have strapped them on and set off. When I went barefoot, within a month I was doing 10-20 mile hikes in the mountains of the PNW. Sometimes the pain was exquisite, but so was the addiction and joy of the sensation and expression. For those jumping in feet first, two things I would suggest: Consistency- test yourself everyday, it’s a rewarding lifestyle… and spending hours around a creek/river that has loose river rock; the flexion and articulation will give you a workout like no other. Also, walk “naturally”, the outer part of the forefoot should land first. Frequent (multiple mini-workouts per day), moderate, progressive overload is your friend, gains in functionality will happen at such a rapid clip that the weak links will appear in rapid succession. Pay attention, modify your training to address the weak links, and carry on.

[@christinemurphy7204]

So what’s a good pair? There are lots so it hard to pick

[@RC-qf3mp]

Before I got into minimalist shoes, I owned 3 pair. As a minimalist shoe wearer, I have about 10 pairs and eagerly by new ones, such as handmade Czech faux leather winter minimalist boots. It’s a very expensive change. For hiking, I’ve fallen in love with Luna sandals. Great tread.

[@kamron_thurmond]

My feet have been having issues since the beginning of the year. I work retail and some of my hobbies are bank fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. So that is a lot of time on my feet.

[@bocolewish]

Having been a Birkenstock or cross trainer person for decades, I found the the zero drop trail hikers from Altra and love them. I feel like I have tiger paws on the trail. Only my riding boots for showing hurt my feet, but don't walk much in them. Can't go barefoot around a horse farm!

[@OverlandLady]

As a metal fabricator, I can't not wear shoes. Steel toe leather boots every day. Fashion? not so much. Molten metal dropping straight to your feet and tools/metal dropping on toes. You won't want to see that. Functional/protection is a must.