Dr. Avagnina is responding.
Dr. Silvia Camilla Avagnina - World-renowned Podiatrist and Podologist - answers the most common questions related to barefoot footwear.
She can be contacted at www.dottoressaavagnina.it (@dott.ssa.avagnina)
In healthy individuals who do not suffer from particular issues, disorders, or foot pathologies, barefoot shoes can be an excellent choice for health. In fact, they improve posture and balance as they allow the feet to move naturally.
Beware! They are highly discouraged for those suffering from diabetes, unstable walking, advanced back and knee conditions, or very elderly people with mobility difficulties. In all these cases, it is better to consult a specialist doctor first.
"If you are a healthy and fit individual and want to further improve the health of your feet and your posture in general, barefoot shoes are for you!"
Are barefoot shoes suitable for everyone?
In healthy individuals who do not suffer from particular issues, disorders, or foot pathologies, barefoot shoes can be an excellent choice for health. In fact, they improve posture and balance as they allow the feet to move naturally.
Beware! They are highly discouraged for those suffering from diabetes, unstable walking, advanced back and knee conditions, or very elderly people with mobility difficulties. In all these cases, it is better to consult a specialist doctor first.
"If you are a healthy and fit individual and want to further improve the health of your feet and your posture in general, barefoot shoes are for you!"
In some specific cases, primarily related to specific disorders or pathologies, the use of barefoot footwear is not recommended as it may further worsen the individual's condition. In these cases, which we will list shortly, it is advisable to consult your specialist doctor.
Better to avoid barefoot in these cases:
Flat feet, hyperpronated or supinated (in both children and adults)
Knee or back pain
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or systemic diseases that cause instability in walking
Elderly people at high risk of falling
Diabetic patients, for the risk of unperceived injuries
"If you fall into one of these categories or have any doubts, contact me before adopting barefoot footwear."
DO NOT use barefoot shoes if…
In some specific cases, primarily related to specific disorders or pathologies, the use of barefoot footwear is not recommended as it may further worsen the individual's condition. In these cases, which we will list shortly, it is advisable to consult your specialist doctor.
Better to avoid barefoot in these cases:
Flat feet, hyperpronated or supinated (in both children and adults)
Knee or back pain
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or systemic diseases that cause instability in walking
Elderly people at high risk of falling
Diabetic patients, for the risk of unperceived injuries
"If you fall into one of these categories or have any doubts, contact me before adopting barefoot footwear."
Barefoot shoes prove to be an excellent choice. for children, because they promote the natural development of the foot. Only when the child suffers from excessive pronation problems or walks with feet very turned inward should the use of barefoot shoes be carefully considered: in these specific cases, it is advisable to seek a preliminary consultation with a specialist doctor.
"Instead, for adults, barefoot shoes are a real boon for those seeking comfort or wanting to address minor toe deformities, as these shoes provide enough space for the feet without constraining them."
Finally, barefoot shoes are generally not recommended for the elderly because, to prevent potential falls, it is better to opt for footwear with more structured non-slip soles that ensure greater stability.
"At every age, its ideal shoe!"
Barefoot at all ages?
Barefoot shoes prove to be an excellent choice. for children, because they promote the natural development of the foot. Only when the child suffers from excessive pronation problems or walks with feet very turned inward should the use of barefoot shoes be carefully considered: in these specific cases, it is advisable to seek a preliminary consultation with a specialist doctor.
"Instead, for adults, barefoot shoes are a real boon for those seeking comfort or wanting to address minor toe deformities, as these shoes provide enough space for the feet without constraining them."
Finally, barefoot shoes are generally not recommended for the elderly because, to prevent potential falls, it is better to opt for footwear with more structured non-slip soles that ensure greater stability.
"At every age, its ideal shoe!"
Unfortunately not, and now let's debunk this myth! In fact, high-heeled shoes alter posture because they shift the weight forward, unlike barefoot shoes which allow for a natural and even distribution of weight precisely because they have no heel.
But, as we always say, everything should be done gradually: if you have always been used to walking in heels, the transition to barefoot must happen in stages, in order to avoid unnecessary pain... Especially in cases of hernias and protrusions, for which it is necessary to consult a specialist, so do not hesitate to contact me.
But do heels really help improve posture?
Unfortunately not, and now let's debunk this myth! In fact, high-heeled shoes alter posture because they shift the weight forward, unlike barefoot shoes which allow for a natural and even distribution of weight precisely because they have no heel.
But, as we always say, everything should be done gradually: if you have always been used to walking in heels, the transition to barefoot must happen in stages, in order to avoid unnecessary pain... Especially in cases of hernias and protrusions, for which it is necessary to consult a specialist, so do not hesitate to contact me.
Barefoot shoes can be a valid alternative to the shoes you usually wear, especially if by the end of the day your feet feel swollen and compressed. This annoying sensation can be alleviated by barefoot shoes because they are more spacious, allowing blood circulation to flow better. Free yourself from the uncomfortable feeling of swollen feet: with barefoot shoes, you'll make it to the end of the day without pain!
Barefoot: remedy for swollen feet?
Barefoot shoes can be a valid alternative to the shoes you usually wear, especially if by the end of the day your feet feel swollen and compressed. This annoying sensation can be alleviated by barefoot shoes because they are more spacious, allowing blood circulation to flow better. Free yourself from the uncomfortable feeling of swollen feet: with barefoot shoes, you'll make it to the end of the day without pain!
If you suffer from back and/or knee pain, before opting for other types of footwear, it is essential to understand the real causes of these disorders, especially since barefoot shoes are not therapeutic shoes. In fact, the first thing to do in these cases is to schedule a specialist visit to assess the situation as a whole: only in this way can you truly make the best decision for your health.
Often these pains stem from biomechanical problems of the foot that alter both posture and load on the joints; for this reason, starting directly with barefoot could be counterproductive.
"Don't make hasty decisions and contact me if you have these symptoms."
Barefoot for those who suffer from back and knee pain?
If you suffer from back and/or knee pain, before opting for other types of footwear, it is essential to understand the real causes of these disorders, especially since barefoot shoes are not therapeutic shoes. In fact, the first thing to do in these cases is to schedule a specialist visit to assess the situation as a whole: only in this way can you truly make the best decision for your health.
Often these pains stem from biomechanical problems of the foot that alter both posture and load on the joints; for this reason, starting directly with barefoot could be counterproductive.
"Don't make hasty decisions and contact me if you have these symptoms."
"Yes, but with moderation, please! The foot adapts to every type of footwear, so alternating is possible. However, if you feel much better using barefoot shoes, you might find traditional ones more uncomfortable because they are more structured."
"It's easy to get used to what makes you feel good: the same goes for your feet! Listen to them and use the footwear that allows you to walk with peace of mind."
Is it possible to alternate between barefoot and traditional shoes?
"Yes, but with moderation, please! The foot adapts to every type of footwear, so alternating is possible. However, if you feel much better using barefoot shoes, you might find traditional ones more uncomfortable because they are more structured."
"It's easy to get used to what makes you feel good: the same goes for your feet! Listen to them and use the footwear that allows you to walk with peace of mind."
Let's debunk this myth as well: barefoot shoes do not cause flat feet! Flat feet is a condition that develops from birth or during childhood and is determined by structural and genetic factors, not by the shoes you wear.
However, when switching to barefoot shoes, you may notice that your foot slightly widens over time: this happens because these shoes provide more space for the toes, allowing them to take a more natural position.
If you are used to tight shoes or those with a pointed toe, you may need to reconsider some footwear, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to wear closed shoes or heels anymore.
'Barefoot and flat-footed? We have debunked this myth too!'
Barefoot and flat foot: myth or reality?
Let's debunk this myth as well: barefoot shoes do not cause flat feet! Flat feet is a condition that develops from birth or during childhood and is determined by structural and genetic factors, not by the shoes you wear.
However, when switching to barefoot shoes, you may notice that your foot slightly widens over time: this happens because these shoes provide more space for the toes, allowing them to take a more natural position.
If you are used to tight shoes or those with a pointed toe, you may need to reconsider some footwear, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to wear closed shoes or heels anymore.
'Barefoot and flat-footed? We have debunked this myth too!'
