A man says he’s given up on shoes over twenty years ago after he developed painful bunions on his feet and decided to walk barefoot since then.
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Joseph Deruvo Jr., 59, said he became fully barefoot around 2002 after developing painful bunions on his feet when he frequently wore running shoes. A doctor recommended he undergo surgery to alleviate his pain, but he made the decision to go barefoot because the pain was unbearable. Although he considered the surgery, he learned that metal screws would be inserted into his foot, and the screws contained a metal he was allergic to.
He skipped the surgery and continued to live his life going completely barefoot indoors and outdoors. Even though he enjoyed his new lifestyle, Deruvo said he and his wife were thrown out of public spaces because they didn’t wear shoes. On certain occasions when they would go out with friends, Deruvo keeps a pair of loose sandals in his car.
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He was asked about the safety hazards he faces while walking barefoot but noted the positives outweigh the negatives. Being barefoot means he has to be more aware of his surroundings.
“I mean, it doesn’t allow you to be absent-minded when you’re walking around. You have to be conscious where you’re stepping and where you’re placing your foot and how you’re rolling off your foot.”
He added that he’d been so used to being barefoot that he didn’t feel the ground beneath his feet. The Bible inspired him to make the lifestyle choice, referencing the Book of Exodus, as reported by Oddity Central.
Some benefits of reportedly going barefoot in nature include reduced inflammation, stress, and pain and improved mood and sleep. In a report by Style Crave, walking barefoot also helps improve cardiovascular health as it can “decrease in the blood viscosity levels, an effect that may lower hypertension.” However, more research needs to be done about the potential benefits of going barefoot.
However, some risks are associated with going barefoot, as it can lead to diabetic foot disease, hookworm infection, and fungal infections.
“You may also want to avoid walking barefoot in areas usually associated with fungal infections. These include swimming pools, locker rooms, the gym, and the beach”