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Liv Bridge
If you like to walk around your home barefoot, doctors are warning it doesn't come without some risks.
If you leap out of bed first thing in the morning and let your bare toes hit the deck, or perhaps you strip off your shoes and socks as soon as you get home from work, health experts have something to say to you - although they do have some rather mixed opinions on the matter.
First of all, going barefoot is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as walking with no shoes or socks on - in other words 'skin to ground,' as stated by clinical podiatrist Dr Robert Conenello.
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He added: "Anything else is considered to be shod, as even socks alter the mechanics of movement," reports BuzzFeed.
The doctor said not only does he support going barefoot but admitted he's actually a 'big advocate' for peeling back the layers as it 'increases intrinsic muscular strength within the feet.'
Like most parts of our bodies, our feet muscles are prone to declining with age - and shoes don't help matters.
As these muscles are vital for our overall mobility, the doctor warns our worn-down feet could see our movement hindered by them as we get older.
“Many of the pathologies that I see in my practice are due to the inability to engage these muscles for normal movements and metabolic efficiency,” Conenello added.
Skin-wise, Dr Hannah Kopelman, who works in dermatology, agreed that going barefoot has its pros.
She said: "Walking barefoot at home ... allows your skin to breathe, which can help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot."
It can also offer another skin-related advantage, promoting sensory stimulation and wellness.
The doctor said: "Feeling the texture of different surfaces underfoot can be grounding and relaxing, almost like a mini reflexology session.
"For those without underlying skin or foot conditions, this can be a natural way to connect with your environment and promote mindfulness.”
However, before you ostracise your socks entirely and pick up the new fashion statement, the practice isn't completely risk-free as it entirely depends where you let your naked toes free and how often.
Kopelman said walking barefoot indoors could be harmful, what with increased risk of irritants or allegers on the floor, from cleaning chemicals to dust and dander from your furry or feathered loved ones, and not to mention hazards like Lego or water which could cause injury.
People who have sensitive skin or chronic conditions like dermatitis or eczema as well as diabetes or poor circulation could be more vulnerable, as contracting even a minor foot injury could 'lead to serious health issues.'
That said, most risks (Lego and plug sockets aside) can be mitigated by good hygiene.
Conenello said: "Wash your feet frequently, dry them thoroughly, and moisturize."
Still, Dr Kopelman said repeatedly walking barefoot on hard surfaces could lead to foot fatigue or plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation around the arch of your foot and heel.
“Over time, the lack of cushioning can put stress on the joints, especially in those who already have foot or joint issues,” she said.
Conenello also warned that long periods of time without socks and shoes can present 'excessive load' to one area of the foot, for instance, if you're doing an activity such as cooking.
But socks are here to the rescue, the doc said, as they provide a 'filter' between the hard floor and the foot.
Kopelman added that socks also provide some 'minimal protection' from abrasions or allergens while allowing the feet 'to feel relatively free.'