Question: 

I work from home, so I only wear shoes when I go out. Is this bad for my feet? Should I be wearing shoes inside?

Answered by Alexander Sawatzke, MD, orthopaedic surgeon:

I wouldn’t say going barefoot is bad for your health. If you’re younger and have healthy feet, being barefoot around the house is fine. In fact, it probably helps strengthen some of the muscles in your foot.

However, there are certain situations where I would recommend wearing shoes indoors.

When you should wear shoes inside

If you have diabetes or neuropathy (numbness and tingling in your toes), you should definitely wear shoes around the house. 

When you have neuropathy, you don’t feel your feet when you step on things. Without that protection, you could step on something sharp and get a wound that leads to a serious infection.

The same goes if you have thin skin on the bottom of your feet or chronic foot pain. In these cases, supportive shoes can help protect you from injury.

If you’re trying to treat arthritis in your big toe or midfoot, you should also consider wearing supportive shoes or slippers at home instead of going barefoot.

What about hardwood floors?

If you have hardwood floors in your house, you’re probably going to notice a little more pain in the ball of your foot or your heel if you’re barefoot. The hard surface can make existing foot problems feel worse.

Are barefoot shoes good for you?

If you are younger and have healthy feet, barefoot shoes are fine. It can help strengthen your foot and may help with how you absorb impact when you’re moving.

However, runners should be cautious. Switching from a regular shoe to a barefoot shoe too quickly can lead to stress-related injuries. Instead, try transitioning gradually.

If you have diabetes, neuropathy, heel pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis, I wouldn’t recommend a barefoot shoe.

The bottom line

For most people with healthy feet, going barefoot at home isn’t a problem. But if you have diabetes, neuropathy, thin skin, arthritis or chronic foot pain, wearing shoes indoors is the safer choice. 

When in doubt, listen to your feet. If being barefoot causes discomfort, that’s your body telling you it needs more support.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​