But according to Brandon Gumbiner, DPM, a podiatric surgeon with OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center, the risks often outweigh the perceived benefits.
Dr. Gumbiner says many of his patients tell him they “prefer to be barefoot,” but he routinely advises otherwise.
“Being barefoot might feel comfortable in the moment, but the long-term impact on your joints and the structures of your feet can be significant,” Dr. Gumbiner said. “Your feet need the support that a shoe provides, particularly in the arch and the fat pad of your foot, which is your natural cushion.” Without proper support, individuals may be more prone to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress injuries, and joint pain.
For those who avoid wearing shoes indoors out of concern for cleanliness, Dr. Gumbiner recommends a simple alternative: a designated pair of indoor-only athletic shoes.
“Keeping a clean pair of supportive shoes just for inside the home gives you the benefit of support without tracking in dirt,” he said. And for people who enjoy the airy feeling of going barefoot, he notes there are supportive recovery sandals on the market that allow for breathability while still protecting the foot.
“There are excellent recovery sandals that provide structure, stability, and cushioning,” he said. “You don’t have to choose between comfort and foot health.”
OSF HealthCare encourages individuals to talk with their health care provider or podiatrist if they experience foot pain or have questions about the best footwear for their lifestyle.
OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system founded by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. The system includes 18 inpatient facilities encompassing 16 licensed hospitals, two of which operate dual campuses in separate communities. Among these hospitals, 10 are acute care facilities, five are critical access hospitals, and one is a continuing care facility. OSF has 2,141 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan and employs more than 27,000 Mission Partners across 170+ locations. These include OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, the third largest pediatric hospital in the state, and OSF OnCall, its digital health operating entity that offers hospital-at-home care. In addition, OSF operates two colleges of nursing; OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; Pointcore, Inc., which is composed of health care-related businesses; and OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the organization. Advances in health care transformation take place through OSF Innovation as well as OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country and by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals. Learn more at osfhealthcare.org.
