You got your pedicure, your toes are looking cute, and you’re ready to slide into sandals or feel the grass under your feet… but let me ask you something:

Are your feet healthy and strong enough to go barefoot?

After being bundled up in socks and shoes all winter long, our feet are craving freedom, but they also need support in the form of strength and mobility. Just like any other part of your body, your feet deserve a little TLC to prep for the warm months ahead. Feel free to jump ahead to the bottom of this blog to access the free video for your feet.

Let’s walk through (pun intended!) why getting your feet barefoot-ready is so important, and how a little movement can go a long way.

1. Why Go Barefoot? The Natural Benefits of Letting Your Feet Breathe

Going barefoot isn’t just about comfort—it’s actually really good for you. Your feet are filled with muscles, joints, nerve endings and pressure points that thrive when given space to move and connect with the earth.

Here are some of the benefits of going barefoot:

• Stronger foot muscles – When barefoot, your feet work harder to support your body weight and balance, helping build strength and stability.
  
• Better balance and posture – Strengthening the small muscles in your feet can positively impact your entire kinetic chain—hello, better alignment!
  
• Improved circulation – Letting your feet move naturally encourages healthy blood flow, especially after being in stiff shoes all day.
  
• Sensory stimulation – Barefoot time reawakens your connection to the ground and environment, which benefits your nervous system.
  
• Earthing/Grounding – Walking barefoot outside, especially on natural surfaces like grass or sand, allows your body to absorb free electrons from the earth’s surface, which can help to:

- reduce inflammation

- improve sleep

- enhance mood and energy

- support immune health

Curious to learn more about earthing? Check out Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, and Martin Zucker.

2. Why Strength Matters Before Ditching the Shoes

Most of us spend months—if not years—relying on supportive shoes. While comfy, they often do the work for our feet, meaning the muscles weaken over time.

Jumping straight into barefoot walks or runs without any prep can leave you with sore arches, tight calves, or even injury. Instead, build strength gradually with simple exercises.

Benefits of strengthening your feet before going barefoot:

• Prevents pain and injury – Strong feet are less likely to experience issues like plantar fasciitis or Achilles pain.
  
• Improves mobility – Gentle foot stretches help ease stiffness and improve range of motion.
  
• Builds resilience – You’ll be able to walk barefoot on various surfaces without discomfort.
  
• Enhances ankle and lower leg strength – Which can reduce the risk of sprains or falls.
  
• Boosts your overall movement quality – Because healthy feet are the foundation for how you move in your hips, knees, and back.
  

3. Get Your Feet Ready with This 15-Minute Movement Session

I've created a 15-minute video which includes foot-friendly movements designed to get you barefoot-ready. The video includes exercises to help strengthen your feet and ankles, stretches to release tension in your calves and shins as well as movements the support healthy alignment through the legs, hips and lower back.

I recommend doing these movements regularly for maximum benefits. Once you have mastered the exercises, make them a part of your regular routine. Just a few minutes a day can bring more strength, mobility, and awareness to your lower body.

Press play, and let’s get those feet moving!

Want More Movement Like This?

If you liked this barefoot prep video and want to explore more ways to move, stretch, and feel better in your body, check out my current class offerings at 👉 fortheloveofmovement.ca/offerings

I also offer private sessions (online or in-person) and corporate wellness classes for teams who need a mid-day movement break.

Here’s to happy, healthy, and strong feet this season! 🌞👣