Why a Professor of Medicine University Warns Against the Barefoot Walking

Shoes are the reason for longer human lifespans
Some doctors are barefoot walking evangelists

A photo of barefoot walking. / News1

As the barefoot walking trend heats up, local governments are rushing to create dirt paths for barefoot walking or install foot washing facilities. Some local governments are even hosting barefoot walking festivals. There is controversy over whether walking barefoot is truly beneficial for health.

A netizen with hypertension and hyperlipidemia recently stated on the internet community 82Cook that a university hospital professor had discouraged walking barefoot.

The netizen receiving treatment at a university hospital for symptoms of hypertension and hyperlipidemia stated, “I went to obtain medicine (at the university hospital). I told them I planned to start walking barefoot after receiving a tetanus shot because I had heard it was beneficial. However, the professor raised his arms in an X shape and exclaimed, ‘Absolutely do not do it.’ He explained, ‘One of the reasons human life expectancy has increased is because of shoes,’ and added, ‘You’ll only understand if you suffer from walking barefoot.'”

The netizen added, “The professor told me not to get swept up in the barefoot walking craze and to exercise with shoes on diligently. I said ‘okay’ and left, but I got tempted when I saw posts by 82Cook members about barefoot walking. There isn’t a proper place to walk barefoot…”

Netizens respond with comments like “I agree with the professor’s opinion. Why would you want to suffer unnecessarily? You should walk with sneakers on. If you hurt your fascia, you’ll suffer.” One netizen said they appreciated shoes so much more after recently trying barefoot walking.

There were also opposing opinions. One netizen said, “A medical professor who lectures on natural healing said that barefoot walking is the only alternative for preventing and curing modern diseases. I’m also someone who’s seeing the effects of barefoot walking.” Another netizen said, “Many doctors are like barefoot walking evangelists. They practice it themselves and recommend it to their patients because they know its effects.”

A photo of barefoot walking. / News1