Can barefoot contribute to overall well-being (physical and emotional)?

Our feet are the foundation of everything—they’re the only constant point of contact between our body and the earth. And yet, for years, we’ve enclosed them, compressed them, and disconnected from them. The barefoot movement seeks to reverse this disconnection, not only from a physical perspective, but also from an emotional, sensory, and vital one.

But what real impact can barefoot have on our overall wellbeing? Without a doubt, barefoot footwear—by respecting the natural shape of the foot and allowing for freer, more mindful movement—offers benefits that affect both body and mind.  Below, we explore how this approach influences both.

1. Physical wellbeing

• Better posture and body alignment: by activating the foot’s natural musculature, the body regains its center and balance.
• Greater stability and strength: walking barefoot stimulates proprioception, improving control and connection with the environment.
• Pain prevention: by avoiding rigid structures or elevated heels, tension in joints such as knees, hips, and the back is reduced.

2. Emotional wellbeing

• Grounding: being closer to the ground and allowing more natural contact with the earth promotes connection with the environment and reduces day-to-day stress.
• Body awareness: feeling movement, the footstep, and the terrain under your feet invites a more mindful, body-aware way of walking.
• Sensation of freedom: returning to a natural gait relieves tension and brings a subtle yet powerful sense of lightness.

In short: barefoot is not just a way of walking—it's a way of living more connected. At Libertas, we believe every step matters, because we care for your feet, your body, and your wellbeing. It’s not just footwear: it’s a lifestyle in freedom.

📚 Chevalier G. The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychol Rep. 2015 Apr;116(2):534-42. doi: 10.2466/06.PR0.116k21w5. Epub 2015 Mar 6. PMID: 25748085.