Michael Franti hasn’t worn shoes in 10 years. He’s been walking barefoot the entire time. At first, he was voicing his concerns about poverty and the children that were so poor they walked around barefoot. Then after a time his feet got used to the idea, and as result, so did he. 

It made me think about whether we humans were supposed to be barefoot. From grounding to healthy feet, here’s why I heart walking barefoot.

Grounding Down

For the majority of us, unlike Michael Franti, we don’t have the freedom to skip shoes all the time. Office jobs, department stores, and public restrooms seem to frown on it. But there are some benefits to walking barefoot from time to time.

When you’re not wearing shoes it helps to ground down into the Earth. For yogis especially, it’s this connection that helps one feel sane. That’s why when you’re doing a yoga practice you don’t wear shoes. It’s much harder to ground down when there’s the sole of a shoe between you and the ground beneath.

According to Anodea Judith, author of “Wheels of Life”, “Grounding is a process of dynamic contact with the Earth, with its edges, boundaries, and limitations. It allows us to become solidly real–present in the here and now–and dynamically alive with the vitality that comes from the Earth.”

Other Reasons To Consider Walking Barefoot

Beyond the concept of grounding down, let me remind you that we were born barefoot and there are a number of other reasons to enjoy barefoot bliss:

• Wearing shoes in your home dirties the floors. It means you have to scrub your floors more often when it would be so much easier just to drop your shoes at the door.
• If you go barefoot on the beach, it’s like a built-in pumice treatment, keeping your feet soft and beautiful.
• It feels awesome to walk on grass, rugs, sand, and so many other pleasant surfaces.
• It makes for healthy feet. Shoes can be claustrophobic and confining to your feet. They can cause blisters, joint problems, and even bacterial growth.
• Shoes can make your feet smell.

I’m not saying go barefoot from here on out. For most of us, it’s unrealistic. But I spend a lot of time barefoot and have noticed all the fantastic benefits as a result.

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Image: Alyssa Miller

The post Why You Should Consider Walking Barefoot: Healthy Feet and Grounding appeared first on EcoSalon.

Here are five feet-friendly products and tips that will give you healthy feet that feel soft, fresh, and pretty during the season that needs them to be so most.

In the summer, we don flip flops and open-toe shoes, revealing our feet to the sun, outdoor elements, and the occasional bump or scratch. Needless to say, just like in winter, when feet are smothered in boots and unable to breathe, summer-time feet face their own challenges.

For most of us, summer means we spend most of our time in the open air, with lighter and scanter clothing that exposes our skin. Our feet are no exception. In the summer, we don flip flops and open-toe shoes, revealing our feet to the sun, outdoor elements, and the occasional bump or scratch. Needless to say, just like in winter, when feet are smothered in boots and unable to breathe, summertime feet face their own challenges. Here are five feet-friendly products and tips that will keep feet soft, fresh, and pretty during the season that needs them to be so most.

1. Use a Foot File

A foot file is the most basic tool to have around to soften rough, dry heels. They run for about $10, give or take, but will make a dramatic difference in the appearance and texture of your feet. Use a foot file when feet are dry and shower or apply lotion afterwards.

2. Protect from the Sun

Even for those of us who are sticklers about applying sun-protection, the feet are often forgotten or ignored. However, they have the ability to burn just like any other part of the body. And because they aren’t used to sun exposure, especially during the winter, they are particularly sensitive to the sun. So don’t forget to apply your SPF product to your feet as well, making sure not to forget the soles.

3. Pick the Right Shoes

The problem with flip flops and other open shoes with straps is that your feet may pay a painful price. Straps can dig into the heel or irritate between toes. When you are shopping for summer shoes, be sure to jump around in them first and imagine how walking a mile in them would feel before buying.

4. Moisture Socks

Moisture socks are unique in that they are especially soft and lock moisture in. Some come already infused with moisturizing ingredients, such as jojoba, grapeseed, olive oil, vitamin E, or other ingredients. If not, add your own selection. To repair the damage done on your feet from the day, wear socks overnight to reveal softer feet in the morning.

5. Paint Toes Clean

The aroma of nail polish is indication enough that it isn’t the cleanest and most pure product in your toiletry cabinet. The smell comes from three toxins – dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde, also known as the “toxic trio” — that have been deemed by the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database as the most toxic cosmetic additives. Replace your regular nail polish with toxin-free varieties. This will keep your nails in better shape and lessen the risk of your skin absorbing the chemicals in the nail polish that eventually make it to your bloodstream. Explore the natural nail polish options on the market.

Photo Credit: jjay69

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