Does taking off your shoes and walking barefoot on hard floors harm your feet? It may not always be comfortable, but doctors say it has some benefits.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary and experts, from podiatrists to dermatologists, walking barefoot means not wearing shoes or socks.
Robert Coninello, a board-certified podiatrist, said: “Walking barefoot means direct skin contact with the ground. Anything else is considered wearing shoes because even socks change the mechanism of movement.”
Benefits of walking barefoot at home
Coninello said, "I am a strong advocate of walking barefoot at home," explaining that this practice "strengthens the internal muscles of the foot."
He explained that the main benefit lies in strengthening the foot muscles, which tend to weaken “with age and wearing shoes,” noting that these muscles are closely linked to general movement, and therefore, their deterioration may contribute to a decline in mobility with age.
He added: “Many of the medical conditions I see in my work are due to the inability to activate these muscles for normal movements and metabolic efficiency.”
For her part, dermatologist Hannah Kopelman agreed with this assessment, noting that walking barefoot at home has additional benefits for the skin.
She said: “Walking barefoot allows the skin to breathe, which may help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.”
She added that there is an indirect benefit related to sensory stimulation and general well-being, as “the sensation of different surfaces under the feet can be soothing and relaxing, like a mini reflexology session.”
She concluded: “For people who do not have skin or foot problems, this can be a natural way to connect with the environment and promote mindfulness.”
In short, walking barefoot in a clean house may strengthen the feet in the long run, reduce some skin problems, and provide a kind of relaxing natural massage.
What are the potential downsides?
One downside of walking barefoot is increased exposure to irritants or allergens found on floors, such as dust, pet dander, or cleaning products, as Kopelman pointed out. For people with sensitive skin or chronic conditions like contact dermatitis or eczema, this can be a significant concern.
Although Connello acknowledged similar risks – such as exposure to pathogens like fungi in humid environments – he stressed that “good hygiene can reduce these risks.”
He advised: “Wash your feet regularly, dry them thoroughly, and use moisturizer.”
Other risks associated with walking barefoot include the possibility of slipping on smooth or wet surfaces, or stepping on hard, sharp objects that could cause injury. As many who have bumped their toes or stepped on small objects know, these accidents can be quite painful.
Kopelman points out that people with diabetes or poor circulation are more prone to serious complications; “even a minor foot injury can lead to major health problems.”
Kopelman noted that while walking barefoot may help strengthen muscles, repeating it on hard surfaces can lead to foot strain or plantar fasciitis, a condition in which inflammation occurs in the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
She added: “Over time, the lack of cushioning can lead to increased pressure on the joints, especially in people who already have foot or joint problems.”
Situations where it is preferable to wear shoes or socks
Although Coninello generally supports walking barefoot, he advises wearing foot support when doing activities that require standing for long periods, such as cooking.
He said: “When standing barefoot for long periods, a certain part of the foot may be subjected to excessive pressure,” adding: “Even professional chefs usually benefit from wearing shoes that help distribute the weight across the entire foot.”
To illustrate the point, he gave an example: "If you have gained some strength in your core muscles through exercises like the plank, I would not advise you to increase the time or weights significantly and quickly."
And of course, there is a middle ground: socks.
According to Coninello, "wearing socks is not a problem," but it reduces the benefits associated with walking barefoot, as "there becomes a barrier between the foot and the ground."
Kopelman added that the socks might offer "simple protection from scratches or allergens, while keeping the feet in
A relatively comfortable condition,” and it also reduces direct contact with surfaces that may contain bacteria or irritants.
Considering the pros and cons, walking barefoot indoors – especially on clean, well-maintained floors – is generally safe and beneficial, unless the person suffers from skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or “athlete’s foot,” which can be aggravated by the presence of bacteria.