Does walking barefoot reduce inflammation? The science of grounding

September 22, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2015 study, the practice of grounding, which involves walking barefoot on the earth's surface, may significantly impact inflammatory markers. It is believed that this ancient practice could provide a modern remedy for a widespread problem. So, does walking barefoot reduce inflammation?

Quick Summary

Walking barefoot, or 'grounding,' involves making direct skin contact with the earth, which may reduce inflammation. The theory posits that the Earth's free electrons act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Research suggests grounding can lower inflammatory markers and improve conditions linked to inflammation.

Key Points

Grounding Mechanism: Walking barefoot, or grounding, allows the body to absorb free electrons from the Earth's surface, which act as powerful antioxidants.
Reduces Oxidative Stress: These absorbed electrons can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable atoms that damage cells and contribute to chronic inflammation.
Lowers Inflammatory Markers: Studies have shown that grounding can decrease inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), particularly in individuals with higher initial levels.
Enhances Overall Health: In addition to fighting inflammation, grounding can improve mood, regulate stress hormones, strengthen foot muscles, and enhance cardiovascular health.
Safe Practice is Key: To minimize risks like injury or infection, start on soft, natural surfaces and increase exposure gradually. Public areas may harbor bacteria, so proper foot hygiene is important.
Complements, Not Replaces: Grounding is a complementary wellness practice and should not replace conventional medical treatment for chronic or severe health conditions.

The Science of Grounding (Earthing)

Grounding, or earthing, is a wellness practice that connects the human body with the Earth's electrical charge. In our modern world, we are often insulated from the Earth's surface by shoes with rubber or plastic soles, as well as by living and working in buildings. The underlying scientific principle is that the Earth's surface possesses a negative electrical charge, while our bodies can accumulate a positive charge due to inflammation and other biological processes. When we make direct contact, such as walking barefoot on grass or sand, the body absorbs free electrons from the Earth. These electrons are believed to have antioxidant properties.

How Grounding May Influence Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a leading contributor to many modern diseases. While acute inflammation is a natural and necessary part of the healing process, persistent, low-grade inflammation can damage healthy tissue over time. The theory behind grounding suggests that the Earth's electrons can help combat this issue. When absorbed by the body, these free electrons neutralize free radicals—unstable atoms that can damage cells and accelerate aging and disease. By reducing oxidative stress, grounding creates an antioxidant microenvironment that can prevent or slow the inflammatory response.

Evidence for this mechanism comes from studies showing that grounding can produce measurable differences in the concentrations of white blood cells and cytokines—molecules involved in the inflammatory response. For instance, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research found that grounded subjects experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and blood cell counts after an injury, with infrared imaging also showing reduced inflammation. This suggests that grounding can help regulate the immune system, preventing the overactivation that can prolong inflammation.

Benefits and Considerations of Going Barefoot

Beyond the potential anti-inflammatory effects, walking barefoot offers a number of other health benefits, as well as some important considerations.

Potential Benefits of Walking Barefoot

Strengthens Foot Muscles: Wearing shoes with thick soles can cause the small stabilizing muscles in the feet and ankles to become weak. Going barefoot forces these muscles to engage, which improves strength, balance, and posture.
Improves Foot Mechanics: A 2017 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise noted that barefoot walking can help restore natural walking patterns and improve foot mechanics over time. This can be beneficial for those with poor foot alignment.
Enhances Sensory Feedback: The nerve endings on the soles of our feet are highly sensitive. Walking barefoot allows these nerves to reconnect with natural surfaces, which enhances proprioception—your body's sense of its position and movement.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health: Research has indicated that grounding can reduce blood viscosity, which in turn may help lower hypertension. Some studies have also observed that participants who practice grounding show better heart rate variability, which is linked to a healthier heart.
Reduces Stress: Grounding has been found to help normalize the day-night cortisol rhythm, the body's primary stress hormone. This regulation can lead to reduced stress, improved mood, and better sleep quality.

Considerations and Risks

While the benefits are promising, walking barefoot, especially in public areas, carries risks. The American Podiatric Medical Association advises caution, noting potential exposures to infections and injury.

Injury: Bare feet are susceptible to cuts, scrapes, and punctures from sharp objects like glass, nails, or rocks. Hot surfaces can also cause burns.
Infections: Public places are breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Walking barefoot increases the risk of athlete's foot, plantar warts, and other infections. Those with diabetes, neuropathy, or weakened immune systems should be particularly cautious.
Strain: Transitioning too quickly to barefoot walking can place undue stress on foot tendons and joints, potentially leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis.

How to Safely Incorporate Barefoot Walking

To reap the benefits while minimizing risks, a mindful approach is best:

Start Indoors: Begin with short, barefoot walks around your home on clean, soft surfaces to strengthen your foot muscles gradually.
Choose Safe Outdoor Surfaces: Once comfortable, move to natural surfaces like clean grass, sand at the beach, or soil.
Inspect Your Surroundings: Always check the ground for hazards like glass, sharp objects, or uneven terrain.
Listen to Your Body: Start with just a few minutes a day and increase the duration and intensity gradually. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.
Wash Your Feet: After walking barefoot, wash your feet thoroughly to remove any potential contaminants.
Consider Grounding Products: For those unable to walk outdoors, products like grounding mats, sheets, and patches offer an alternative way to connect with the Earth's electrons indoors.

Grounding vs. Conventional Anti-Inflammatory Methods


Feature	Grounding (Barefoot Walking)	Conventional Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Mechanism	Absorbs Earth's electrons, which act as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals.	Uses medication (e.g., NSAIDs, steroids) to block specific inflammatory pathways.
Application	Natural, involves direct skin-to-earth contact or use of conductive devices.	Medicinal, requires ingesting or applying manufactured products.
Side Effects	Minimal if practiced safely; risks primarily involve injury or infection from surface contact.	Can include gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks, or other drug-specific side effects.
Cost	Often free when walking outdoors on natural surfaces.	Varies widely, depending on medication, dosage, and insurance coverage.
Scope	Targets the systemic root of oxidative stress to address widespread inflammation.	Can target specific, localized inflammatory responses but may not address underlying causes.
Pace	Gradual, cumulative effects over time with consistent practice.	Can offer more immediate relief from acute inflammation and pain.
Authority Link	Read more about the effects of grounding on inflammation from the NIH.

Conclusion: A Complementary Approach

While the concept of grounding might seem simple, the emerging scientific evidence suggests that reconnecting with the Earth through barefoot walking may offer a natural and effective way to help manage inflammation and improve overall well-being. It is important to note that grounding should be seen as a complementary practice rather than a replacement for conventional medical treatment, especially for chronic or severe inflammatory conditions. For those seeking to reduce inflammation naturally, incorporating safe, mindful barefoot walking into their routine can be a low-cost, low-risk option. The key is to start slowly, choose safe surfaces, and be aware of potential hazards. By doing so, you can tap into this ancient practice and potentially experience its restorative and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, walking on concrete, which is an artificial surface, does not provide the same grounding benefits as natural surfaces like grass or sand. Concrete is a poor conductor compared to the Earth's natural surface. While walking on concrete barefoot is not recommended due to potential foot strain and injury risks, some studies suggest that conductive materials, such as specific grounding mats, can mimic the effects of walking on the earth's surface when used indoors.

There is no definitive time frame, as effects can vary by individual. However, studies suggest that even short durations can be beneficial. Some research mentions that inflammatory signs can begin to subside within 30 minutes of grounding. Consistency is more important than duration, with recommendations often suggesting at least 10–20 minutes daily.

It is not safe for everyone. Individuals with conditions like diabetes, neuropathy, or weakened immune systems should exercise extreme caution or avoid walking barefoot outside altogether due to increased risks of infection and injury. Always inspect the area for hazards and start on clean, natural surfaces.

Some evidence suggests that grounding may help with chronic pain, particularly if the pain is linked to inflammation. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing the inflammatory response, it may provide relief. For instance, some people with chronic foot pain report improvement after transitioning to barefoot walking.

While minimalist shoes are designed to mimic the natural movement of barefoot walking and can strengthen foot muscles, they do not provide the same electrical connection to the Earth. You can experience the musculoskeletal benefits of going barefoot, but you will not get the 'earthing' effect that is linked to reduced inflammation.

If walking barefoot isn't an option, you can still practice grounding. Alternatives include sitting or lying on the grass or sand, gardening with bare hands, or swimming in a natural body of water. For indoor options, various products like grounding mats, sheets, or socks can connect you to the Earth's charge through a grounded outlet.

By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, grounding supports a more balanced immune response. Studies have shown that grounded subjects can have reduced white blood cell activation, which may prevent unnecessary immune overactivity. Additionally, some research indicates that it can decrease the C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, in individuals with elevated levels.