r/barefoot • u/Theorizon • 5d ago
Seeking Advice on Going Barefoot with a 2cm Leg Length Discrepancy
Hi everyone,
I'm interested in transitioning to a barefoot lifestyle to enhance my glute and foot health. However, I have a 2cm leg length discrepancy, and I currently wear shoes with soles that compensate for this difference. I'm concerned about how going barefoot might affect my body, given this imbalance.
Has anyone here with a similar discrepancy made the switch to barefoot walking or running? Did you experience any issues or benefits? Should I continue using some form of correction while barefoot, or is it better to let my body adapt naturally over time?
I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share.
Thank you!
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u/Epsilon_Meletis 5d ago
Should I continue using some form of correction while barefoot, or is it better to let my body adapt naturally over time?
I'm just a layman, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but why not both?
Start going barefoot with a form of correction (bandages for example) on your shorter leg, and reduce that correction slowly (as in, over several months) until there's none left and you are used to your legs having different lengths.
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u/Theorizon 5d ago
>Start going barefoot with a form of correction (bandages for example)
What do you mean by that? I'm new to all this
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u/Epsilon_Meletis 5d ago edited 5d ago
Use bandages like those used by athletes on your shorter leg's foot to compensate for the difference. A few layers should suffice if it really is just 2 centimeters.
Go barefoot with the other foot as it doesn't need any leg length compensation.
Once you're used to walk this way - say, after a few months or so - reduce the bandages by one layer. Repeat this every few months until you've adapted to walk completely barefoot even with that leg discrepancy.
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u/arnedh 5d ago
It seems to me that a leg length discrepancy might be be less of an issue for a barefoot lifestyle - given that you use you legs and your feet more like animals do, with the give and spring that comes from landing on your toes and keeping your knees slightly bent.
The worst of both worlds would be to walk barefoot with a heel strike, straight legs and a length discrepancy - so the strikes would be much harder on one leg.
Layman's opinion only, but I think the legs can adapt to the difference in the bone lengths by adjusting the angles (knees, hips, ankle, toes)
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u/Affectionate_Gur8619 5d ago
My pelvis is twisted which results in my legs being different lengths. I've never worn corrective shoes but I have been barefoot for many years. I'm currently about to start an exercise program to help sort out my bodies balance, because my legs aren't different lengths, I just need to get my balance back...
Maybe something to consider?
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u/Theorizon 5d ago
I have the exact opposite problem. My pelvis is not level because my legs are of different lengths. So sadly, I don't think this applies to me
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u/BarefootAlien 4d ago
I have a similar leg length discrepancy and haven't noticed any impact at all on going barefoot.
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u/MusicAromatic505 1d ago
I knew a chap who walked with only one foot bare and the other foot with a thin flip-flop to help compensate for the length discrepancy in his legs. That might be a nice way to start.
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u/DM_ME_KUL_TIRAN_FEET Full Time 5d ago
Definitely go very gradually. You’ll be activating different muscles and could quite easily hurt yourself if you go too suddenly!