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Is walking in barefoot shoes on concrete really harmful? We’ll bust the most common myths, explain the benefits and show you how to transition to city barefoot safely and without pain.
Barefoot shoes are winning more and more fans even in the concrete jungle of our cities – but simply putting them on isn’t enough. The key to success is, above all, good walking technique; without it, the benefits of ‘barefoot’ movement will never fully show.
Let’s uncover the truths and myths about wearing barefoot shoes in the city and find out how to get the most out of them for the health and freedom of your feet.
For some people, putting ‘barefoot’ and ‘urban surfaces’ in the same sentence is simply unacceptable. Many – including physiotherapist Michael Tichov from Fyzio GO – believe that there’s nothing to fear, as long as you walk sensibly.
Yes, walking on hard surfaces in barefoot footwear is a bit more demanding. Tarmac, concrete, paving. Why? Because the surface is simply harder and greater forces act on your feet than when you’re walking in nature on fresh moss soaked with morning dew.
Michael Tichov explains that these forces aren’t dramatically higher, though.
‘If we stick to the principles of barefoot walking – which barefoot shoes naturally guide us towards, often quite spontaneously – such as a shorter stride, a slight forward lean and a slower pace, then the force on our feet is, in truth, much lower than when we walk quickly and land on the heel, even in shoes with a softer sole.’
He adds: ‘In barefoot shoes, we feel that impact force in the heel when our walking isn’t quite optimal. In conventional shoes, that force is then transferred to the knee, hip and lower back, where we don’t feel it as intensely.’
Although many people think the city is too harsh and monotonous for barefoot footwear – all concrete, tarmac and paving – the reality is far more varied. Cities offer surprisingly diverse terrain: from smooth pavements to textured paving stones, as well as grassy parks and gravel paths.
So the key to healthy, comfortable walking in barefoot shoes isn’t so much the surface you’re on, but above all your movement technique, supported by choosing the right barefoot footwear.
‘We often hear the argument that there’s no point wearing barefoot shoes in the city because on a hard, flat, monotonous surface the foot doesn’t get enough stimulation. For one thing, barefoot shoes aren’t primarily about walking on pebbles and “stimulating” your feet – there’s much more to it.
Even on a seemingly flat, monotonous surface (which is nowhere near as uniform as it looks), the foot has a surprisingly rich supply of proprioceptive stimuli it has to respond to,’ explains Michael Tichov.
For walking in barefoot shoes around the city to feel comfortable and beneficial, it’s important – as we’ve mentioned – to follow good walking technique. What are the basic principles?
🔎 You can find more tips on proper walking technique in barefoot footwear in our detailed article: How to walk properly in barefoot shoes.
Although barefoot footwear brings many benefits, it isn’t a universal solution for everyone. In particular, people with medical contraindications, or those working in environments where safety footwear is required, may find minimalist shoes are not the ideal choice.
Many people are also more sensitive to ground feel – to the unevenness and textures of urban surfaces. In these cases, there are simple solutions:
If you’re new to barefoot footwear, it’s a good idea – especially in an urban environment – to follow the conditions for a pain-free transition.
The key is to work your way up to hard surfaces by keeping an eye on correct movement patterns and the force of your foot strike. Plus choosing the right shoes.
NaBOSo tip: For more sensitive people or specific health conditions, there are compromise options such as barefoot shoes with thicker soles or accessories like special insoles, which keep the benefits of barefoot footwear while increasing comfort.
Let’s bust another myth: that barefoot shoes don’t suit the city aesthetically. That hasn’t been true for a long time! Today’s minimalist footwear offers a full range of stylish designs – from sporty trainers to elegant lace-ups and ballet flats, right through to boots and sandals. For children, teenagers, adults and seniors.
Angles is a brand that combines the elegance of classic silhouettes with the comfort and benefits of natural footwear. At first glance they look like ordinary city shoes, but as soon as you put them on you’ll feel the difference – lightness, flexibility and plenty of room for your toes. Thanks to precise craftsmanship and high-quality smooth leather, they’re an ideal choice for everyday wear, work meetings and more formal occasions. You can choose from a wide range of models, from women’s sandals, elegant ballet flats and smart shoes to insulated ankle styles and winter boots.
RAYVE is a Czech barefoot shoe brand designed for city life, and it now offers a children’s collection too. It was created from a mix of years of experience with barefoot footwear, precise Portuguese craftsmanship and a feel for modern design. The result is stylish trainers and urban shoes that look like everyday footwear while giving your feet maximum freedom. Each model has a roomy toe box, zero drop, low weight and a highly flexible sole made from quality rubber – so you can stay on your feet all day with ease.
Groundies is a German brand that combines stylish design with the maximum comfort of barefoot footwear. At first glance you won’t be able to tell they’re anything other than regular shoes – they look great and feel great to wear. Their trainers, ballet flats and Chelsea boots are among the best on the market, not only thanks to quality workmanship but also a varied range and a great price point. Groundies offers models for the city, the office and the winter months, in leather and vegan options and in three widths. Different sole thicknesses also let you tailor the barefoot feel to your needs.
Shapen is a Slovak brand of barefoot footwear that brings elegance and comfort together. It focuses mainly on smart and city barefoot shoes that meet all the principles of healthy footwear. You’ll find a wide selection of ballet flats, loafers, smart shoes, boots and sandals in various colours and materials, from soft leather to vegan alternatives. With two widths available, they suit both narrower and medium-width feet.
Leguano is a brand that combines pure functionality, minimalist design and excellent German quality. For us, these barefoot shoes are some of the most comfortable on the market. They stand out for their special flexible sole, high comfort and precise workmanship. The most popular models include minimalist trainers, ballet flats and a winter version with a cosy lining, such as the popular Husky model. You’ll also appreciate that most models are vegan and can be machine-washed. Investing in Leguano brings not only comfort, but satisfaction for many years to come.
Transitioning to barefoot footwear on challenging urban terrain can be demanding for your feet, so it’s important to give them the right care, support and rest.
Great helpers include sensorimotor tools:
Freedom of movement and natural function. The key to success is a gradual transition, good walking technique, choosing suitable barefoot shoes and using the available tools that make the journey to barefoot-style walking easier.
Listen to your body and give it time to adapt. Whether you decide to wear barefoot footwear in the city or not, what matters is that you’re taking an interest in the health of your feet. After all, they carry you through life – and they deserve the very best care.
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