The benefits of barefoot tennis have been proven! Discover the study that will open your mind.

Did you know that ankle, knee, hip, and back pain can arise from foot health issues? Yes, it’s true! That’s why barefoot sneakers are gaining popularity. And with this study, the trend is set to grow even more. Curious?

Read the article.

Our feet are a true masterpiece of evolution.

The natural foot is wide, with widely spaced and flexible toes, with three dynamic arches and is richly innervated by thousands of nerve endings, providing crucial sensory feedback for motor control.

Throughout history, bare feet have been the primary means of locomotion since humans became bipedal millions of years ago.

However, it is only recently that modern society has come to consider the constant use of restrictive and shapely footwear normal, triggering hundreds of problems throughout the body.

In this article you will discover - in a surprising way - how to restore the health of your feet and that the benefits of barefoot tennis have been proven.

Bare feet are natural

According to research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science , walking in barefoot shoes can improve stability and decrease the likelihood of falls.

But this is not the study that reports on the benefits of barefoot walking being proven. It is just another one that adds to the functionality of a shoe that replicates the natural way of walking.

Keeping your feet on the ground not only improves your physical health, but also provides a connection with nature and the world. The possibilities for sensations and experiences are endless.

The body's natural state is to have feet free, so that they can perform their function normally.

Additionally, walking barefoot has been shown to reduce the risk of certain foot and ankle injuries. A study published in the journal Sports Health found that barefoot running resulted in a lower rate of plantar fasciitis, a common condition that causes heel pain.

Experts recommend barefoot tennis as a way to develop healthy muscles, joints and feet, as well as improve stability, balance and coordination.

9 benefits that only #barefoot can provide

Walking barefoot - literally - or wearing a barefoot sneaker provides your body with experiences that no other conventional sneaker will provide.

That's a fact! And against facts, there are no arguments.

To make this conclusion clearer, before talking about the main study in this article, we have listed 9 benefits that only barefoot - or your own feet - will offer you:

1 - Strengthens the muscles in your feet, reducing the risk of injury;
Constant use of shoes can weaken the muscles in your feet and increase the likelihood of injuries, such as ankle sprains, for example.

2 - Improves balance, strength and posture;
Walking without shoes forces your feet to work harder, which can lead to increased strength, better balance, and improved posture. Without influence, your body is conditioned to perform its natural functions.

3 - Promotes better circulation and reduces the risk of inflammation;
By moving your feet, your heart increases the amount of blood sent to your body, increasing circulation. In addition, by moving naturally, your body uses more muscles and nerve connections, reducing the risk of inflammation.

4 - Improves your mood and reduces stress;
Walking barefoot or wearing barefoot sneakers can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. This is due to the freedom they provide your feet without squeezing your toes.

5 - Helps you sleep better, thanks to its calming effects;
Walking with your feet on the ground has natural calming effects that can promote relaxation and restful sleep.

6 - Burns more calories than walking in conventional shoes;
This happens due to the greater energy expenditure, since your body is moving without external assistance, such as spring or foam-filled sneakers.

7 - Increases flexibility and range of motion;
The soles of your feet are packed with nerve endings designed to receive sensory information from your surroundings. Walking barefoot stimulates these nerve endings and increases your awareness of your body's position and movements.

8 - Improves posture and body alignment;
By walking barefoot, you become more aware of how your body moves and the impact of your steps. This can lead to a more natural and efficient gait, which can reduce the risk of injury and improve overall mobility.

9 - Recover your connection with nature and find inner peace.
Walking barefoot allows you to connect with nature, feel the earth beneath your feet, and find inner peace. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

The study that will change your thinking

Having worked with the body and movement for 20 years, and for the last 13 years dedicating herself meticulously to the study of feet, Camila Wippel is an Osteopathic Physiotherapist - DO from the Madrid School of Osteopathy, Founder of Fluir Saúde Consciente and responsible for developing a randomized clinical trial with a very common dysfunction among people.

This dysfunction is metatarsalgia.

The choice was based on the principle of one of the foot dysfunctions that shoes have the greatest impact on. Metatarsalgia is basically excess pressure on the forefoot, which can cause pain and inflammation in the metatarsals, the long bones at the front of the foot, just below the toes.

“Those who have metatarsalgia will experience pain, discomfort, changes in sensitivity, decreased foot strength and essential functions, among others,” says Camila .

Defining the dysfunction, Camila organized 45 people, men and women, between 20 and 70 years old, into 3 different groups.

- Group 1 received a protocol of osteopathic manipulative techniques

- Group 2 received the same protocol and also a pair of barefoot FOT sneakers

- Group 3 received only the pair of barefoot FOT sneakers.

The chosen model was the Walka, the first barefoot FOT sneaker, being the pioneer brand in this segment in Brazil.

People were assessed using 3 instruments:

1 - Algometer : this device applies pressure to the area where the person feels pain, causing the person to report the moment when the painful stimulus is triggered;

2 - Foot Function Idex Questionnaire : validated in Portuguese, this questionnaire is formulated with questions about this foot problem, related to people's daily lives.

3 - VAS (Visual Analogue Scale): scale that measures each person's pain level from 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain at all and 10 being intense pain.
The aim of the research is to prove the connection between feet and the health of the body, the benefits of using sneakers designed for the feet and the harm that traditional footwear has caused over the years with daily use.

The FOT choice

In her research, Camila chose the first barefoot FOT, the Walka model.

She says she chose this model because it is perfect for the purpose of her research, as it follows all the principles of a barefoot. It is straight, extremely flexible, wide in the forefoot, thin and light.

For her, barefoot sneakers became part of her work tools, indicating their use regardless of age, pathology

By choosing the barefoot path with FOT, you are embracing not just a style of footwear, but a healthier lifestyle. It is the ideal barefoot to help restore foot health.

The benefits go beyond comfort. Imagine naturally strengthening your foot muscles, improving your balance and posture, and experiencing freedom of movement like never before.

Take a bold step towards a healthier lifestyle.

** The research will be published in Foot & Ankle International - Official Journal of American Orthopedic.