Going barefoot improves the proprioceptive sense and the sensibility of the foot. As the senses become more attuned and effective, the ability to evaluate the impact with the ground improves and the protective mechanisms of the body function naturally, diminishing the load on the foot and the lower part of the leg. The sense of feeling in the sole of the foot also has great significance in maintaining and controlling the upright posture of the body.*1
|
A sprained ankle is the most commonly reported acute sports injury. People who go barefoot sprain their ankle less often, because the more sensitive proprioception, the increased stability of the foot, and the activation of the muscles improve the functioning of the foot.*2 |
| *1 A study on the effect of traditional footwear on awareness of the position of the foot showed that the consciousness was 107.5% less with footwear than when the subject was barefoot. The deterioration of consciousness of the position of the foot diminishes the stability of the foot, thus increasing the swaying of the body up to 300%. |
*2 As consciousness of the position of the foot deteriorates, the risk of spraining one's ankle – and especially of inversion sprains – increases. Of all ankle sprains, 90–95% are inversion sprains. |
