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. 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 When we walk in bare feet and are completely vulnerable to whatever ground surface we're walking on - whether that's the sand at the beach, the pavement, a rocky terrain or the grassy field - it is the ground that influences how our feet move and the forces they are exposed to instead. We do know that changes to feet may occur through walking barefoot. These include increased forefoot spreading, as habitual barefoot walkers have been shown to have wider feet. What is not clear "Training barefoot may improve agility, ankle stability, and the positioning of the joint, if done correctly," Mace notes. 1 "For some, this may relieve minor niggles, such as a low arch or pain from repetitive movements like running." But before you decide to ditch your shoes, there are some things to consider. 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. "Walking barefoot allows your feet to flatten as your arch collapses, which will cause arch and heel pain." Ouch, ouch, ouch. 3. Nail Fungus Unsightly + painful = yikes. "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. Allowing your feet to go bare can help you avoid painful foot problems as well as allow your feet and legs to become stronger and self-supportive. Studies are showing that "earthing" can actually change the electrical activity in the brain, creating physiological changes and increased wellbeing. "Walking barefoot may also help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and ligaments of the foot, improving the function of the feet and improving posture and balance of the body," he Ck2TAk.