Comparison of static stance balance between habitual barefoot shoe wearers and conventional shoe wearers: A pilot study

Abstract

Barefoot living people have better balance and stronger, healthier feet compared to conventional shoe wearing people. Among minimalist shoes, the barefoot shoe allows the foot, in many regards, to behave in a similar way as in a barefoot state, and shows positive effects on foot form and muscle activity. However, when it comes to balance, which is important for the prevention of injury and falls, it is unclear whether barefoot shoe wearers have better balance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether static stance balance differs between habitual barefoot shoe wearers and wearers of conventional shoes. Healthy habitual barefoot shoe wearers (n=14) and conventional shoe wearers (n=27) were recruited in the southwest of Sweden to perform the Unipedal Stance Test (UPST) with shoes and barefoot, of which one test blindfolded and one with eyes open. The groups were matched for age and physical activity level. The barefoot shoe group showed significantly better balance in the eyes open test with shoes (p<0.01) as well as the eyes open test while barefoot (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found for the blindfold tests. This preliminary data indicates a better stance balance among barefoot shoe wearers, and that the barefoot shoe may be the better shoe for static stance balance. 3