Los Angeles Personal Trainer

Hi Lalo,

This may sound unconventional but I do my workouts barefoot because I find that I have more control and balance without shoes. Being barefoot also helps me "feel my feet". How important it is to wear shoes when working out? If so, what would be the appropriate type of shoes to wear?

I am also wondering if you could tell me where you got those awesome "feet glove" shoes (not sure what they're called) that you're wearing in the photo of you working out with the kettle bell. They look so comfortable! Would they be appropriate for working out on hard surfaces or are they just for use on the beach?

Thanks for your time!
E

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I like unconventional, and that’s actually one of the keys to gaining results! Working out without shoes, mmm… I could go on for a long time on this subject but I’ll keep it short. Training barefoot is actually how Arnold Schwarzenegger used to workout and that’s how we all should be working out. We have to remember, we are animals and our bodies were designed to walk, run, swim and climb without equipment (unless, of course, you’re doing something like football). Now, here’s the big dilemma: should people start doing all these activities barefoot because I say it’s healthier? Probably not, or should I say…not yet?

Our feet have been inside this “cast” or shoe for years and to make things worst, every time we buy shoes or sneakers we often choose the coolest style or color. Because our feet are used to being supported by our shoes, it could actually be dangerous to just jump right into training barefoot without a transition period. To start working out tomorrow barefoot would be like breaking a leg, having a cast for a few months and then going for a run the day the cast is removed; we have to start slow.

Most imbalances in our bodies start with our feet. When you train barefoot, your feet, calves and ankles get stronger, your balance as well as your posture improves tremendously, and your feet become more “injury resistant”. We also become more connected to our bodies. I see a lot of people that feel and walk awkward when they are barefoot – that shouldn’t be the case, yet at the same time, I don’t blame them because they’ve had their feet smashed into their shoes for so long - I would feel the same way!

Another benefit of training barefoot is that the more surface that touches the ground or workout equipment, the more muscle fibers are triggered and the more effective your workout is. You can use the same principle to work your upper body. There are bars that are thicker than the regular ones called “Thick Bars”, but that’s a different topic.

If you want to try working out barefoot, start slow and try the Vibram FiveFingers shoes. They are the closest thing to being barefoot and they will protect you from foreign objects from the street or from bacteria at the gym. Yes…it doesn’t matter how fancy your “Fitness Club” is, if you want to go barefoot at the gym, put the Vibrams on! You can use them for training on hard and soft surfaces and much more. Check out a review I did about the Vibram FiveFingers on my Fitness Blog. You should also check out their socks, they’re great for walking around the house.

If you still want to keep using shoes while training, that’s fine with me too, but…go to a Pro-Running shoe store as they are very knowledgeable about their stuff. They will test you for any type of imbalances you may have on your feet and advise you on the shoe that is right for you; no more choosing shoes that match your workout outfit!

Have fun!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California