Why is Barefoot Training Important?

One of the more popular fitness trends today – especially when it comes to kettlebell training –  revolves around training barefoot.  While it may seem strange, barefoot training definitely has its benefits.

Barefoot Training Benefits

• Training barefoot can strengthen the muscles of the foot and around the ankle joint. Shoes provide a lot of stability and support, but this can have a negative effect as it doesn’t always allow the feet and ankles to work.
• Training barefoot improves proprioception, which is the perception of space and our orientation within the space around us.
• Training barefoot improves muscle alignment and improves the neuromuscular pathways of the foot and leg.
• Use this type of training to give you stronger arches. Many types of shoes artificially raise your arches and prevent them from doing their job.  And, over time, this can lead to fallen arches.
• Many shoes, especially those that are not fitted correctly or used in ways other than what they were made for, can cause foot issues such as bunions, corns, ingrown toenails, hammer toes and athlete’s foot.
• Contrary to what some may believe, training barefoot does not cause your feet to stink. Being cooped-up in shoes for long periods of time cause your feet to stink!

 
About the writer: Ken Grall is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and owns and operates an Edge Fitness in Madison, Wisconsin. Learn more about Ken.