The Barefoot Book: 50 Great Reasons to Kick Off Your Shoes

by L. Daniel Howell

Our addiction to wearing shoes has been linked to conditions ranging from foot fungus and bacteria to bunions and fallen arches. Ill-fitting and high-heeled shoes cause damage to the knees and spine, and continuous wearing of any kind of shoes builds up these problems. Daniel Howell describes the benefits of a simple going barefoot. The barefoot lifestyle corrects misalignments and increases foot strength and flexibility, and it is practiced in many other countries. In a reader-friendly, accessible style, this practical book explains the health advantages of going barefoot, provides tips for increasing barefoot time, and encourages everyone to experience the health benefits and the natural, vital pleasure of a barefoot connection with the earth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Science

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

About the author

Daniel Howell is an Associate Professor of Biology at Liberty University where he teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology, as well as Biochemistry. Prior to joining the faculty at LU, Daniel performed biomedical research at Duke University Medical Center and McGill University in Montreal. He obtained his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 1998.

Daniel has hiked barefoot for many years and he’s been running barefoot since 2007. He has logged thousands of barefoot miles. Like so many others who experiment with barefoot running and hiking, Daniel’s love for going barefoot spilled over into everyday routines; he often goes barefoot for days or weeks at a time. Dubbed “the barefoot professor” by his students, The Barefoot Book evolved from Daniel’s attempts to satisfy their curiosity about his barefooting habit. He discovered that shoes are not just uncomfortable, they are literally harmful. Daniel is a member of The Society for Barefoot Living.

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2010, The Barefoot Book: 50 Great Reasons to Kick Off Your Shoes makes the case for walking, running, and living barefoot. It is a fun book, a quick read, but I think that Daniel Howell, PhD could write a second edition with updates re: bunions and flip-flops.

For instance, the author states that flip-flops are the best choice to get as close to barefoot as possible. Uhm... biomechanist Katy Bowman disagrees. Flip-flops change the toes' natural movement.

Howell reviews a few barefoot shoes and brands, and it's interesting to see how this market has grown.

[Laura Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of evidence based research & information as well as personal opinion. I love what he has to say & I plan to spend as much time as possible barefoot this summer. The ebook I bought was not super well formatted (maybe because I was reading in dark mode?). Bought the physical copy eventually.
Was disappointed when looking to tag the author on Twitter to find his feed full of problematic beliefs. 😔

[Mindi Rosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here I am writing this, Barefoot (and NOT pregnant)...just had to emphasize that last detail. As a child, I was one of those ruffians who preferred running around the house buck naked and barefoot. Now, I realize our society does not look favorably upon my youthful preference for nil attire. Instead of running off to a commune amongst leftover Woodstockers, I relegated that fantasy to my edgy counterculturalists. Barefooting may challenge the norm, but it will not send me to the jailhouse for over-exposure. Bared feet are only immodest to those Victorian-era females forced to lace up for fear that a man might lust after that pointy ankle joint.

For the past twenty months, I have been experimenting with minimalist footwear, specifically the Vibram FiveFingers. This natural progression lead me to The Barefoot Book: 50 Great Reasons to Go Barefoot by Daniel Howell. Affectionately dubbed “The Barefoot Professor,” Howell has appeared on various popular media, podcasts, and radio shows proclaiming his message of barefoot living for foot health and overall wellbeing. I watched a Today show interview of shoeless Howell with two well-heeled females, and I was intrigued by his audacity to buck the normal attire prerequisite. Can you think of any other interviewee who has appeared on mainstream television without shoes? Nor could I.

Having a Kindle, I can mark my favorite portions of the book for future reference. Here are five of my highlights.

• There have been injuries caused by trying to do too much barefoot activity too soon, before the feet and body can make the necessary changes that need to occur. This can take months to years.
• Encased within shoes whenever we exercise, our feet miss out on the action; while the rest of our body gets a workout, our feet are unable to flex, twist, grasp, feel, or breathe.
• We can regard the modern shoe as a cast.
• Habitual shoe wearing shortens the Achilles tendon to the point that simply standing without shoes can be uncomfortable or even painful.
• Shod runner suffer more injuries per mile than barefoot runners.

Here are five of my thoughts about this enjoyable beachside read.

• Though this book does provide a couple chapters with scientific diagrams and physiological explanations to support his hypothesis, the lay reader can either dig into the research or skip to the practical aspects of the book. Personally, I found the research a fascinating complement providing validation to Howell’s proposal for barefoot living. It is not meant to be a comprehensive tome of podiatry.
• The book is divided into clear sections for ease of reading. If you are only interested in the application of barefooting to your daily life, then skip to that portion.
• I found the stories of barefooters to be an asset to the book. I took note of how a shoeless enthusiast can live in a footwear-obsessed culture reasonably.
• The chapter about high-heeled shoes was enough to make me ditch my stilettos for good!
• The last 1/3 of the book was by far my favorite, as Howell addressed obstacles and oppositions that those bared feet might elicit from society, family, friends, and businesses. He provides resources for those who want to barefoot in public, including an online community of barefooters, relevant documents, and legal information.

How has The Barefoot Book impacted my daily life? Here are five changes I have made (for the spring/summer/early fall…need some protection in the winter):

o My home is a shoeless, sock-free, and no-slipper zone.
o I ditch my shoes when walking around my neighborhood or taking out the trash.
o I only wear minimalist shoes when training at the gym. I might get brave enough to try a barefoot session in the future.
o I drive barefoot.
o When my hubby’s not with me, I go shopping without shoes.

Reading this book reverted me to the joys I experienced as a child while playing outdoors unshod. Splashing in puddles. Squeezing mud through my toes. Climbing the backyard tree into my fort. Wailing after squishing through doggie poo. Blacktop barefooting contests on 100 degree days. Ah – the memories. Thanks to Howell, I get to experience a second childhood through baring these feet whenever I want.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my husband has been into barefoot running and we often go barefoot on our evening walks, I had to read this book. (I've never loved wearing shoes anyways.) I was already aware of much of the first half (physical aspects of wearing/not wearing shoes) but what I found most interesting was the later chapters like the one titled mythbusters. I had no idea you could go barefoot pretty much anywhere...so while I still opt to wear shoes to stores and the library...I'm definitely less concerned about my kids wearing their shoes.

[Annalisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was different than what I expected it to be. It is a book that highlights all the reasons why you should go barefoot instead of wearing socks or shoes. The author is a phD that gives you medical reasons as well as reasons like "because you can" or "because it is not against the law". I learned a few things and got a good laugh out of it. He is a strong advocate and encourages you to find and join your nearest barefoot group.

[Terka Juchelková · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tahle kniha se ke mně dostala úplně náhodou, ale jsem za to moc ráda. A přestože nejde o nic extra převratného nebo úchvatného, určitě stojí za přečtení. Téma samo o sobě je dost diskutované a publikací o barefoot stylu u nás není mnoho.

Kniha se čte lehce, je psána čtivým a srozumitelným jazykem. Obsahuje obrázky, nákresy a hlavně i zdroje podstatných informací. Už během první kapitoly jsem měla chuť vyhodit všechny svoje boty. :D A to jsem už několik let víceméně v BF. Autor popisuje stavbu a fungování nohy, vliv obuvi, podrobně rozebírá některé typy obuvi.

Pro mě podstatné aha myšlenky:
- neustálé nošení bot ovlivňuje psychiku i imunitu
- obuv se stala nezdravou kulturní tradicí
- když už se vyzujeme, většinou sedíme
- obuv deformuje nohu
- obuv je nehygienická

Kniha pochází z USA a je to taky dost poznat. Jak v reáliích, tak stylu uvažování. Vážně by u nás někdo věřil tomu, že ministerstvo zdravotnictví zakazuje chodit boso?
Anatomická část mi přišla zbytečně dlouhá a podrobná. Naopak bych očekávala více praktických informací o tom jak začít, jak zvládnout přechod na BF. Úplně mi chyběly některé praktické body - jak začít s dětma, špinavé nohy, tvrdý a rovný podklad, jak změnit stereotyp chůze apod.

[Katka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zajímavá kniha, která může změnit pohled na nošení bot jako na v podstatě kulturní dogma. Zapamatovala jsem si hlavně přirovnání bot k dlaze, která brání normálnímu natahování, otáčení a dalším pohybům chodidla a mění rozložení váhy těla na chodidlo. Autor věnuje hodně pozornosti podrobnému vysvětlení fungování chodidel a deformacím, které boty chodidlům způsobují. Jako podnět k úvahám rozhodně doporučuji. Ačkoli po městě rozhodně v botách chodit nechci, doma už jsem papuče zula.

[jaroiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Až na pár kousků knihy, které působí příliš americky, se mi to hodně líbí. Silně mě kniha namotivovala odhodit boty a vyrazit svobodně bosky mezi lidi. Pár let už zkouším chodit v barefoot obuvi, ale vyzout se veřejně docela, k tomu jsem zatím nedostala odvahu. Až teď po přečtení. Něco už mám o barefoot načteno, ale poprvé vidím tak komplexní shrnutí problematiky včetně doporučení jak zvládnout psychologické bariéry. Doporučuji přečíst všem, kdo chodí po dvou nohách.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been thoroughly convinced to kick off my shoes! I discovered minimalist running a few years ago and have craved information on the pros and cons of it. This book was what I had been craving. Dr. Howell explains how the foot works, the effects of wearing shoes (looks like there are more ill effects than good ones!), and tips for getting barefoot more often.

I found this book easy and enjoyable to read. Even the technical sections I was able to follow, and it was never dry. I found myself smiling at Dr. Howell's sense of humor and fascinated with all the information he had to offer. I also appreciate Dr. Howell's balanced perspective. He states that there are situations when shoes are a good idea.

I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially those interested in learning more about the advantages of going barefoot - and the consequences of keeping your feet shod!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as an early review from Librarything. It called out to me from the list of books because, as much as I like buying and looking at shoes, I don't like wearing them very often. I'm in my ever-present flip flops until the first snow arrives and then back in them once the snow is gone.

This book gives you 50 reasons to go barefoot, a no-brainer for someone like me, but pretty compelling for people who think wearing shoes is the best thing to do for their feet. If you think about it, your feet are not fragile little things that need protecting. They withstand our weight, absorb the shock of our walking and running, help us keep our balance, etc. Wearing shoes immobilizes the feet, not letting them absorb impact or expand the way they need to in order to help us move.

Women's shoes are particularly bad, and it doesn't take a PhD to note that. Just look at those things!! Of which I have many many pairs. Men's shoes are just as bad and running/athletic shoes are pretty bad too. You get an education with this book on how shoes are made and how they purposefully alter how your foot moves (twisted ankles, anyone?).

An interesting note, children's feet stop developing around age 8, so they really shouldn't be in shoes up until then. I've always always wondered by people put shoes on babies and children who can't walk yet. Just for looks, obviously, but let those feet run free! Baby shoes are pretty silly.

Even if you don't like being barefoot, read this book, it may change your mind about ditching your shoes. Even if it's for a little while.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I my read this book for Barefoot because I want to try to walk in the street but it vary hard in the cities and there is most 1% of people using Barefoot in North America. In other world like in Africa they not have shoes so many people are using barefoot and they saying is healthy feet without the any shoes so I was then think about a book about more barefoot.

So I want to library to pick this book and it great story's from real people and they have been all there life without shoes and is great tips also. I my amazing this book but I not read all the book I my vary surprise more information and everything. I will continue to read vary soon When I book in!

[Richard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howell’s thesis is that shoes of all kind are bad for your feet, your posture and your health in general, and that in most contexts a person can happily and safely go barefoot. We have read in other contexts about the benefits of going barefoot, and this book makes a strong case. We are looking forward to spring when we can start trying out the idea... in the garden first and then further afield.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some interesting information here about 'barefooting'. I have generally been a proponent of 'barefootedness' and it was nice to see that by not wearing shoes I am actually helping my feet and body to be healthier. I really liked learning that there are no health department restrictions on being barefoot in public places. However, in spite of the author's strong encouragement I just don't think it's likely you'll catch me walking around barefoot at the grocery store or McDonalds.

[Dustin Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, short book with practical insight and scientific explanations on why going barefoot--even if for a little while each day--can be beneficial, even in our modern world. I especially liked the anatomy section that did a great job of answering why our feet (and ankles) function better without shoes. The most difficult section, in my opinion, is dealing with the lack of social acceptance for going barefoot--especially for men.

[Written Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading. Even if you do not enjoy going barefoot most of the time, this book helps you understand why others do and that they pose no threat to you or themselves. Read it and spread the word!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not riveting, but very informative. I would recommend to anyone.

[Wendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired me to ween myself off shoes and live as barefoot as possible