Going "barefoot" to Starbucks isn't exactly breaking boundaries; it's more like rolling out the red carpet for fungal infections in the quest for online attention!
It's time to put our foot down on the trend of going shoeless. While the barefoot lifestyle isn't exactly new - thanks to various types of minimalist shoes and other products - the movement is gaining traction once again, all due to another social media craze! Since this trend went viral, countless users have embraced the "barefoot lifestyle," striding shoeless in various public settings. This resurgence follows the viral emulation of Margot Robbie’s iconic foot scene from the hit film ‘Barbie’. But does ditching shoes actually provide any benefits? Probably not!
The viral trend kicked off when influencers like George Woodville, also known as The Barefoot Guy, with a following of 500K, shared videos of themselves going shoeless as part of a therapeutic practice called grounding, aiming to reconnect humans with the planet. Another influencer based in Ohio, Christie Fritz, took things up a notch by removing the soles of their shoes and filming themselves shopping in places where shoes are typically required. Some individuals even recorded themselves walking barefoot in snow and extreme conditions in hopes of making their videos go viral. However, Dr. Sari Priesand, a foot specialist at Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan, strongly advises against this practice. In a university press release, she firmly recommends, “Keep the shoes on.”
(Credit: gobarefoot)
Dr. Priesand highlights that going barefoot in public places, especially unfamiliar ones, exposes feet to various risks. Stepping on foreign bodies like glass, dirt, or other debris on the ground can result in cuts, blisters, or scrapes that may become infected. Infections can easily spread in areas where numerous people walk. "I hope people aren't really doing this. But rage bait or not, I would highly suggest not trying it," Priesand cautioned.
Credit: gobarefoot
Priesand points out that an athlete's foot or nail fungus is a common risk of going barefoot, which can result in itchy and tender feet. In more severe cases, stubborn warts, caused by a virus, can develop and prove challenging to treat. Plantar warts are often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). These conditions can take months to resolve and may require various medications, treatments, appointments, or even surgeries to address. Even with proper treatment, recurrence rates can be high. "On surfaces that are appropriately cleaned, it may be okay. But anywhere you're barefoot, you are potentially exposed," Priesand added. "Pools, gyms, hotels, etc. are easy spots to pick up fungus."
(Credit: mayyabor)
So, even if you're diligent about washing and keeping your feet clean, it's still not enough to dodge the risks of going barefoot in public. You've got to watch out for the little stuff like splinters, which can easily slip under the radar—especially for people with neurological issues or conditions that affect their foot sensation. And let's not forget, there's still the possibility of other injuries cropping up. "Having good foot hygiene is beneficial, but it's not going to necessarily protect you from all those things that can penetrate or hurt your feet," Priesand noted. She also mentioned that going barefoot makes your feet less stable, even if you've only ditched the sole and kept the top intact. "The reason we have a sole is to help support our foot. Removing that part that is removing one of the most important parts of the shoe itself."
While Dr. Priesand acknowledges that being barefoot might feel more natural, she emphasizes that it's far more beneficial to opt for supportive shoes for everyday activities. Minimalist or high-heeled shoes typically lack adequate support, so she suggests opting for supportive shoes or sneakers instead. So, in a nutshell, her advice is clear: keep your shoes on and explore other trends if you must, but steer clear of hopping on the viral bandwagon of going barefoot everywhere!
