It is without a doubt that foot calluses are not nice to look at. This is why pumice stones and other foot grooming products are made available on the market so people could get rid of their foot calluses. Yes, they are unsightly. However, recent studies show that walking on callused feet may be better than walking in the most luxurious cushioned shoes on the planet. Various researchers have claimed that calluses often found on one’s feet could actually serve as a form of protection while you’re walking around. In fact, they claimed that it doesn’t compromise tactile sensitivity or even the ability to feel the ground. This is in contrast with when you are wearing cushioned shoes because shoes provide you with a thick layer of protection. However, they also interfere with your sense of connection to the ground. It is also important to note that no one is advising people to not use shoes anymore. Even though it cuts your connection to the ground, it actually presents and delivers more force into your knee joints. Co-author of the study Daniel Lieberman emphasized that the study revolved around the evolutionary question concerning the differences between modern footwear and the natural shoes worn by those who lived thousands of years ago. Lieberman said that calluses are normal and they have various benefits that people may be interested in. But this comes with some big caveats. Those who have medical conditions like diabetes should avoid going barefoot or allow foot calluses to develop since this may be risky for them. In addition to people who are diabetic, people with nerve-damaged feet should also wear shoes. The reduced sensation could possibly mean that they may not know when they are already incurring cuts and injuries from walking around barefoot. Lieberman stressed that there should be a study focused on comparing modern-day cushioned shoes versus minimal footwear or shoes with thinner and harder soles. He theorized that minimal footwear is similar to thick foot calluses. For Lieberman, when the perception of walking is tampered, it can greatly affect the gait and balance of the person. Source
