How Can Barefoot Shoes Improve Mental Well-Being?
Be Lenka
Just going for a walk without thinking. Simply feeling every movement, every touch, every surface. Walking barefoot is a natural activity that literally takes us back to our roots. The contact of our feet with the ground activates sensory receptors and helps us better perceive the present moment. At first glance, this simple act may seem insignificant, but it has a surprisingly strong impact on our mental health.
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Neuroreceptors and Mental Well-Being
When we walk barefoot, we stimulate more than 200,000 nerve endings in our feet, which send signals to the brain. This stimulation helps regulate our nervous system. It reduces the stress we feel and improves our mood. According to the concept of grounding, direct contact with the earth can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and promote the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
Science Supports Barefoot Walking Too
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology explains that regularly walking barefoot on natural surfaces, such as grass or sand, can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Participants who practiced grounding for 8 weeks reported a significant improvement in mental well-being compared to the control group. This effect is attributed to the combination of physical stimulation of nerve endings and contact with nature.
Anton Nootenboom Took a Step Toward Healing
Anton Nootenboom, known as the "Barefoot Dutchman," is a living example of how walking barefoot can change a life, or even save it. Anton is a military veteran with 10 years of service and three missions in Afghanistan. His real struggle began after returning home.
He could not process his memories and thoughts, nor could he talk about them. The stigma around men openly discussing their problems, viewed as a sign of weakness, only made things worse. He hit rock bottom.
That is when he started walking, and he walked barefoot. Spending time alone, staying in touch with nature, and walking helped him find peace and better process his emotions. This experience inspired him to start talking about mental health and encourage other men not to fear opening up.
The Birth of the #BraveMenTalk Campaign
Together with the Barebarics brand and Anton, we launched the #BraveMenTalk campaign to support men’s mental health. As part of this initiative, Anton walked more than 7,800 kilometers from Los Angeles to New York barefoot. Why? Because every minute, one man in the world dies by suicide.
We needed to raise awareness about men’s mental health and help secure funds for support. To further this idea, we created a limited edition of our bestselling Zing model with the campaign logo. Every euro from sales goes directly to helping men in need.
What Was the Point?
This campaign is not just about walking. It is about having the courage to talk about difficult topics, supporting vulnerability, and creating a space where men can be themselves without fear of judgment. But walking set this idea in motion. To date, the campaign has inspired thousands of men to open up, emphasizing that talking about mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
So, Why Are Barefoot Shoes Good for Both Body and Mind?
Barefoot shoes are not just a fashion trend. They help improve mental well-being and offer many benefits. They strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve posture. They support a natural gait and balance. They reduce the risk of joint and back pain. They help bring the body back to its roots. With barefoot footwear, you can give your feet freedom and find peace of mind. All you have to do is take a step.
