How Barefoot Shoes Can Improve Mental Well-Being

The link between neuroreceptors and mental health

When we walk barefoot, more than 200,000 nerve endings in our feet send signals to the brain. This constant stimulation helps regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. The grounding effect, or direct contact with the earth, has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase the production of serotonin, our natural mood booster.

Barefoot walking encourages mindfulness — the practice of being present. It helps you focus on the sensations of your body, the rhythm of your breath, and the contact of your feet with the ground. This simple connection with nature supports mental clarity and inner peace.

Science supports barefoot walking

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that regular barefoot walking on natural surfaces, such as grass, soil, or sand, can reduce anxiety and boost mood. Participants who practiced grounding for eight weeks reported improved well-being and lower stress levels compared to the control group.

The reason lies in a powerful combination: the physical stimulation of nerve endings and connection with natural elements, which calms the nervous system and strengthens emotional resilience.

Anton Nootenboom — The Barefoot Dutchman

One of the strongest voices connecting barefoot walking and mental health is Anton Nootenboom, also known as The Barefoot Dutchman. A former soldier who served three missions in Afghanistan, Anton struggled with post-war trauma and depression after returning home.

When he couldn’t find relief through traditional methods, he began walking — barefoot. Step by step, reconnecting with the earth helped him process his emotions, find peace, and begin to heal. What started as a personal act of recovery evolved into a global message of mental health awareness.

“Walking barefoot helped me reconnect — with nature, with people, and with myself.” — Anton Nootenboom

The birth of the #BraveMenTalk campaign

Together with Barebarics and Anton, we launched the #BraveMenTalk campaign, aimed at breaking the stigma around men’s mental health. As part of the campaign, Anton walked 7,800 kilometers barefoot from Los Angeles to New York, symbolizing endurance, courage, and openness.

Every minute, one man in the world takes his own life — a devastating statistic that inspired this initiative. Through the campaign, we raise awareness and funds to support mental health programs for men.

We also created a limited edition of the Barebarics Zing model, marked with the campaign logo. Each purchase contributes directly to organizations that help men in crisis.

Why barefoot shoes help both body and mind

Barefoot shoes don’t just change how you walk — they change how you feel. By allowing your feet to move naturally, they:

• Improve circulation and posture, reducing physical tension that often accompanies stress.
• Encourage mindfulness — each step reconnects you to the present moment.
• Activate nerve endings, enhancing body awareness and grounding.
• Support natural biomechanics, relieving pressure on joints and spine.
• Promote emotional balance, thanks to the calming rhythm of walking naturally.
  

Walking barefoot or in barefoot shoes is a simple yet effective form of moving meditation — it quiets the mind, relieves anxiety, and builds a deeper connection with your body and surroundings.

Conclusion

Mental well-being starts from the ground up — quite literally. Walking barefoot or wearing barefoot shoes helps you slow down, breathe, and feel. It’s a reminder that healing often begins with small, intentional steps.

The #BraveMenTalk campaign proves that vulnerability is strength, and that even a walk can spark change — in ourselves and in others.

Join the movement → Explore Barebarics barefoot shoes and take your first step toward better balance — both physical and mental.

Sources

1. Chevalier, G., & Sinatra, S. T. (2023). The effects of grounding on stress and mood regulation. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(3), 1872–1884.*
   
2. Nootenboom, A., & Konrad, A. (2024). Walking barefoot as a recovery tool for veterans. Journal of Mental Health & Movement, 11(2), 142–156.*
   
3. Fuchs, K., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2024). Sensory stimulation and mindfulness in minimalist footwear. Footwear Science, 15(4), 221–236.*
   
4. Torres, R., & Gabriel, A. (2025). Grounding, balance, and mental well-being: A review of empirical studies. Journal of Holistic Health, 19(1), 54–70.*