Barefoot footwear has gained popularity in recent years due to its benefits for foot health and improvement in overall body posture. However, to make the most of these benefits and avoid problems such as premature wear of the soles, it is crucial to learn how to walk properly in these types of shoes.

When switching from conventional footwear to barefoot, many users continue to use an inadequate walking pattern that focuses on heel striking, i.e. the heel being the first part of the foot to touch the ground. This is the main reason for pain in the heel, metatarsals, Achilles tendon, etc. during the transition to barefoot footwear.

Walking correctly in barefoot shoes involves adopting a more natural and efficient technique that distributes impact better and takes advantage of the anatomy of the foot.

Below, we offer you a detailed guide to adjusting your way of walking and enjoying all the benefits of minimalist footwear . Remember that this adjustment takes time, as it is necessary to re-educate the way we walk. Constant practice and patience are key to internalizing these movements and turning them into a natural habit.

So... How to walk properly in barefoot shoes?

Follow these steps...

1. Forefoot or midfoot landing:

• Description: Lift your front foot and let it hang down naturally. The outside of the ball of your foot should touch the ground first. The goal is to avoid having your heel be the first part of your foot to touch the ground.
• Benefits : This method distributes impact more evenly and reduces concentrated wear on the heel.
• Tip : Practice on a safe floor, preferably wood or tile, where you can better feel the contact of your foot with the ground.

2. Push with the back foot :

• Description : Use your toes, especially your big toe, to propel yourself forward. This should engage your glutes, providing an effective and natural push-off.
• Benefits : Improves gait efficiency and strengthens leg and glute muscles.
• Tip : Place one hand on your glute while walking to feel the muscle contraction and make sure you are using the muscles correctly.

3. Balance between landing and thrust :

• Description : Once you have mastered the previous steps, combine landing with the forefoot and pushing off with the back foot. This may take practice and patience to achieve a fluid and natural walk.
• Tip : Take time to practice this technique during long walks to build muscle memory and adapt to this new walking pattern.

Benefits of proper walking

Adopting an appropriate walking pattern with barefoot shoes is crucial to avoid injuries, discomfort and pathologies, and also to increase the lifespan of our barefoot footwear.

• Better Body Alignment : Maintains proper spinal alignment and reduces the risk of pain and injury.
• Increased strength and balance : Strengthens the muscles of the foot and ankle, improving balance and stability.
• Impact Reduction : Distributes impact evenly, reducing stress on joints.
• Increases the durability of the barefoot shoe: body weight is better distributed and there are no points of extreme weight accumulation.