I’ll admit I raised an eyebrow when I heard of barefoot running, but I asked myself why not. My initial concerns were merely a reflection of what most shoe companies and allopathic doctors a like drill into our heads. Though I am not a barefoot runner as of yet, I am all about getting back to nature and doing what is best for the body.

A few years ago I moved to Georgia, my house filled with tile. In this heat, barefoot was a cooler option, but for a heavy walker, tile was hard and painful. Yet being barefoot, if only in the house started to change my body. My posture became more upright and my steps became lighter and less painful. And for the ladies, my toes actually started to relax and not appear as squished looking after years of high heal abuse. My body and my brain were finally connecting allowing my body to correct itself. I quickly became a barefoot-(or socks)-in-the-house junky and found being any other way uncomfortable.

Those of you who do yoga know barefoot is a requirement. Two main reasons for this: it helps ground oneself and fortify ones feet, increasing balance and overall strength. Thinking more about what it means to go barefoot, or as close as one can get, it’s difficult to find reasons why I should wear shoes. I still love my high heals for special occasions, but they always get checked at the door on the return. Whether at home or at the beach barefoot is how you will find me.