By Osayi Aghahowa
Health experts have said that walking barefoot on safe natural surfaces may strengthen foot muscles, improve balance and support natural movement.
However, they warned that the practice could also expose individuals to injuries and infections, if done carelessly.
The experts said this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin, on Thursday, highlighting both the benefits and potential risks associated with barefoot walking.
A health expert at Owen Hospital, Mrs Chinenye Ifegwu, said walking barefoot allows the feet to move naturally.
She said the practice activates muscles that were often restricted by footwear, while enhancing sensory feedback from the ground.
Ifegwu explained that the practice also serves as exercise for the feet and ankles by stretching and relaxing the toes and supporting structures responsible for mobility and balance.
“Walking barefoot on safe surfaces can improve flexibility and muscle function.
“Prolonged use of footwear may sometimes contribute to discomfort, cramps and blisters,” she said.
They further said that barefoot walking may enhance balance, posture and coordination when practiced on safe surfaces such as grass, sand and clean indoor environments.
They added that some studies linked the practice to improved foot strength and flexibility, saying that more research was required to substantiate claims associated with “grounding” or “earthing”.
A Benin resident, Mrs Eloghosa Omoze, said she preferred walking barefooted on natural ground surfaces, particularly red soil, describing the practice as more comfortable than wearing shoes for extended periods.
Omoze said barefoot walking had become part of her lifestyle and that she had not experienced any injury since adopting the practice.
“It is a practice I inherited from my forefathers, and I have not experienced any injury from it,” she said.
A medical practitioner, Dr Nosa Ehigie of Owen Hospital, advised against walking barefooted on roads, public walkways and refuse dumps.
Ehigie said such environments might contain sharp objects or disease-causing organisms that could pose health risks.
He recommended that individuals interested in barefoot walking should begin gradually and ensure that surfaces were clean, safe and free from hazards.
Ehigie emphasised that barefoot walking should complement, rather than replace, regular physical activity, healthy nutrition and routine medical care.
A Nigerian endocrinologist, Dr Ayuba Mugana, also cautioned people living with diabetes against walking barefooted because of the heightened risk of foot injuries and related complications.
Mugana explained that individuals with diabetes might not immediately notice injuries due to nerve damage, while untreated wounds could result in severe health consequences.
He added that although barefoot walking might offer benefits for foot health and mobility, safety considerations should remain a priority at all times.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru