Walking or standing barefoot for long stretches — particularly on hard floors — can lead to increased pressure and stress on the feet due to a lack of cushion and protection, which can lead to foot pain such as plantar fasciitis (pain and inflammation across the bottom of the foot), metatarsalgia (pain at the ball of the foot), and tendinitis (i Walking barefoot works your feet, ankle, and lower leg muscles much more than in shoes. This results in increased muscle strength in the feet and lower legs, and also better arch support. Increased strength and flexibility in the feet can also be a key factor in easing any aches and pains. Avoid walking barefoot outside of the house in most places unless absolutely necessary (such as when participating in yoga) and when you do inspect and cleanse your feet immediately to avoid contracting an infection. You can use baby wipes to first clean the feet and even an anti-fungal spray to kill any fungus prophylactically. Sure, it's now a tradition in our modern culture to wear shoes. But according to researchers, it may benefit your feet (and the rest of your body) to go barefoot in your downtime. Still wondering if going bare is for you? Here is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each option: Pros of Walking Barefoot You Get Back in Touch However, you should always be aware of your surroundings and make sure it's safe for you to walk barefoot (i.e. the terrain isn't sharp or has the potential to injure your feet). If you're wondering whether walking barefoot is the right move for you, it's always best to consult your primary doctor before hitting the grass. In some ways, walking barefoot is better for the body than wearing deeply cushioned soles, Lieberman says. But he insists he is not antifootwear: "I'm not saying people shouldn't wear shoes." Similar to barefoot running, walking around in bare feet may or may not be harmful, depending on your circumstances. You can open up the possibility of a cut or injury if you drop something on your foot, stub your toes, or step on a foreign object. "If your feet aren't in pain and you generally don't have any foot problems, it's definitely OK to go barefoot at home," Dr. Thompson says. If that's the cause, you might even reap some benefits of walking in bare feet, including strengthening your stabilizing muscles and improving your balance. Dr. White explains that for some people, walking barefoot can stress the plantar fascia—the ligament that connects your heel to the base of your toes. This stress can cause inflammation that may lead to plantar fasciitis. Risks associated with walking around barefoot 1. Athlete's Foot "Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot that develops commonly on the soles of the feet and in between the toes," Dr. pakAk.