Is going barefoot healthier?

Here is an excerpt from an article by a Dr. Joseph Mercola, D.O. that I found to be pretty interesting:

Should You Go Barefoot?

Bunions are non-existent in barefoot populations of the world, but from a practical perspective, going barefoot all the time is just not an option for most people. But you can certainly do so inside of your home or backyard -- and you may even feel some benefits, particularly from walking on a natural surface.

If you decide to go barefoot, do it slowly, progressing to more and more time spent without shoes. Also, when you start going barefoot it is best to initiate on naturally softer ground like grass and sand, not cement or hardwood. When the muscles and joints of the foot are “stable” your body can handle progressively more time barefoot.

There have been some very compelling studies suggesting that when you are "grounded" free electrons can easily come up from the earth and essentially nullify free radicals in your body. Ancient philosophies call this life-force energy Chi (also called Qi or Prana) and believe it can be absorbed through the soles of your feet automatically and unconsciously when walking barefoot.

So walking barefoot -- on clean, natural surfaces -- could be an easy way to contribute to your overall health.

For the full article go to: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/07/10/flip-flops-can-damage-your-foot-structure.aspx?source=nl