Our addiction to wearing shoes has been linked to conditions ranging from foot fungus and bacteria to bunions and fallen arches. Ill-fitting and high-heeled shoes cause damage to the knees and spine, and continuous wearing of any kind of shoes builds up these problems. Daniel Howell describes the benefits of a simple alternative: going barefoot. The barefoot lifestyle corrects misalignments and increases foot strength and flexibility, and it is practiced in many other countries. In a reader-friendly, accessible style, this practical book explains the health advantages of going barefoot, provides tips for increasing barefoot time, and encourages everyone to experience the health benefits and the natural, vital pleasure of a barefoot connection with the earth.
Daniel Howell is a Professor of Biology at Liberty University where he teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology, as well as Biochemistry. Prior to joining the faculty at LU, Daniel performed biomedical research at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and McGill University in Montreal. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 1998.
Daniel is an avid barefoot hiker and barefoot runner. Since he started running barefoot in 2007 he's logged many thousands of barefoot miles. In the past few years he's done considerable research on shoes and foot biomechanics and discovered that shoes are more than just uncomfortable, they are literally harmful to our bodies. In fact, virtually every common foot ailment in Western society can be traced back to the shoe! Daniel has increasingly spent more time barefoot and will often be found going barefoot for days or weeks at a time; his students call him their Barefoot Professor. In his new book, The Barefoot Book, Daniel reveals the damage done to our bodies by shoes and the benefits of going without them. He also gives tips on how to start living a more shoeless life.
Daniel is a member of the Society for Barefoot Living (www.barefooters.org)
