We’re excited to announce a fresh, comforting approach to our pediatric facilities: We’re going shoeless! This means a cozier, cleaner space for everyone—children, families, and staff. Don’t worry, we’ve got everyone’s feet covered (literally)! Disposable shoe covers and slippers will be available, and we encourage families to bring or store house shoes at the clinic.
Did you know that outdoor shoes can carry a significant amount of bacteria? Specifically, shoe soles can be a vector for infectious pathogens.1Rashid, T., VonVille, H. M., Hasan, I., & Garey, K. W. (2016). Shoe soles as a potential vector for pathogen transmission: A systematic review. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 121(5), 1223-1231. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.13250 This is especially crucial in our setting, where we cater to young children and individuals with PICA, who might be more sensitive to these environmental factors.
A shoeless environment is a sensory paradise for little feet! It provides a fantastic opportunity for our younger ones to practice essential motor skills like walking or shoe-tying in a safe, controlled environment. Feeling the ground directly can also enhance proprioception, which is the body’s ability to perceive its position in space, an important aspect of occupational and physical therapy.2Hillstrom, H. J., Buckland, M. A., Slevin, C. M., Hafer, J. F., Root, L. M., & Backus, S. I. (2013). Effect of shoe flexibility on plantar loading in children learning to walk. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 103(4), 297–305. https://doi.org/10.7547/1030297 Additionally, walking barefoot can help strengthen the muscles of the feet, which can improve overall foot health and reduce the risk of injury.3Robbins, S. E., & Hanna, A. M. (1987). Running-related injury prevention through barefoot adaptations. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 19(2), 148-156. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198704000-00014,4Lieberman, D. E., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W. A., Daoud, A. I., D’Andrea, S., Davis, I. S., … & Pitsiladis, Y. (2010). Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature, 463(7280), 531-535. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature08723
Around the world, many cultures embrace a shoeless lifestyle at home and sometimes at work. In Germany, for example, it is standard to remove shoes in homes, promoting cleanliness and relaxation. This practice is about more than just cleanliness; it’s a way to make spaces more inviting and comfortable, a feeling we’re eager to cultivate in our clinic.
From ancient sandals to modern sneakers, shoes have had a long journey! Spanning two volumes and 700 pages, Archaeological Footwear and Archaeological Footwear II provide a fascinating glimpse into this evolution. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as footwear reflects cultural and technological changes over time.
On their release in 2005, Vibram FiveFingers turned heads around the world. These shoes, with their unique design that allows each toe to move independently, aim to mimic the natural biomechanics of being barefoot while providing protection to the feet.
The trend of barefoot running and minimalist shoes was further popularized by Christopher McDougall’s 2010 bestseller, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen. This movement isn’t just about fitness; it’s about connecting with our environment in a fundamental way.
Comparing shoeless practices globally is intriguing. In the US, shoes indoors are common, whereas in many other countries, it’s the opposite. Acclaimed author Bill Bryson, in At Home: A Short History of Private Life, notes that “In Japan, the practice of removing shoes before entering a home is almost universal, reflecting a cultural emphasis on cleanliness and respect for living spaces.”
We’re thrilled about this change and hope you are too. We welcome your thoughts, experiences, and even your own cultural practices related to shoeless living. Let’s make our clinic not just a place for therapy, but a home away from home.
We’re stepping into a new era at our clinic, one where comfort, hygiene, and cultural sensitivity are at the forefront. Join us in making this transition a smooth and enjoyable one!
