[Note: Below is a new article discussing walking barefoot on grass. How much of it was generated by an agent?]

Have you ever felt the soft blades of grass under your feet and noticed a little lift in your mood? It turns out walking or playing barefoot on grass does more than just feel nice – emerging science suggests it can have real health benefits. In this post we’ll dig into what research says about why kicking off your shoes and connecting with the earth might boost your health. We’ll start by looking at the microbiome and how soil contact influences the trillions of microbes living on our skin. Then we’ll explore other science-backed perks of being barefoot in nature – from calming inflammation to sharpening your balance. Along the way we’ll cover effects on things like immune function, stress, mood, sleep rhythms and more.

Bare Feet and the Microbiome

Our skin hosts a bustling community of microbes – bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms – that play a key role in protecting us and training our immune system. This skin microbiome is normally shaped by our environment. When you go barefoot on grass or soil, you literally pick up new microbes from plants and dirt. Studies confirm that even short contact with natural soil or moss can dramatically increase skin microbial diversity. For example, researchers in Finland had volunteers rub their hands on various soils, composts and moss, and found that right after exposure the total diversity of bacteria on the skin jumped significantly. Almost all major bacterial groups – from Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria (common in soil) to Bacteroidetes – became more abundant on the skin after touching natural materials. This “spike” in diversity was temporary, but it shows just how quickly nature can refresh our microbial communities.

Why does more diversity matter? Decades of immunology research suggest that exposure to a wide variety of environmental microbes helps train our immune system to tolerate harmless organisms and fight real threats. The biodiversity hypothesis states that contact with nature enriches our microbiome and helps balance immunity, protecting us from allergies and chronic inflammation. In other words, when we grow up around animals, plants, and soil (as on a farm or in a park), our bodies learn to recognize many microbes and avoid overreacting to them.

Walking barefoot is like giving your skin a splash of that natural microbial diversity. For example, soil contains bacteria such as Mycobacterium vaccae (a “friendly” soil microbe) that studies have linked to mood benefits and immune modulation, though most work there is in animals. More generally, when our skin picks up microbes from grass and earth, these organisms can send signals to immune cells in our skin and body, helping calibrate inflammation levels. In one Finnish review of the allergy and asthma epidemic, experts emphasized that “loss of immunoprotective factors, derived from nature” may underlie rising allergic diseases. They urge people to “take nature close, to touch, eat, breathe, experience and enjoy” – exactly what happens when we go outside barefoot.

In practice, this means that kicking off your shoes in a garden or park can give your skin a quick dose of environmental bacteria. Within minutes or hours, your skin microbiome can become more varied. Over time, these microbes can train your immune cells (like dendritic cells and T cells) to be more tolerant. Some studies hint that people regularly in contact with natural environments have stronger immune regulation and lower allergy rates. For instance, children who live on farms or in very green neighborhoods tend to have less asthma and allergies, possibly because they get this microbial exposure early and often.

Of course, it’s smart to use common sense – avoid stepping barefoot in obviously contaminated areas (like near pet waste or garbage), and wash up if you have open cuts. But generally, time spent barefoot in a grassy yard or park can be a microbial tune-up for your skin. This may help your immune system find balance: neither overreacting (as in allergies and autoimmune disease) nor under-reacting to infections.

Grounding and Inflammation

One of the more intriguing ideas in barefoot research is “grounding” or “earthing”: the concept that the Earth’s surface has a slight negative electrical charge (free electrons) that can flow into our bodies when we touch it. While it sounds like science fiction, some studies have explored whether this electrical connection can reduce inflammation and pain. The idea is that free electrons from the Earth might neutralize positively-charged free radicals in our bodies, acting like natural antioxidants. As one reporter notes, the Earth’s surface is constantly “generating electrons that could neutralize free radicals, acting as antioxidants.” In other words, being barefoot on the ground might help mop up some of the damaging free radicals that contribute to chronic inflammation.

What does research say? A growing (though still small) body of work reports changes in inflammation and blood chemistry after grounding. In one randomized pilot study, middle-aged volunteers spent one hour connected to the Earth (via a grounding mat) or a sham device. Infrared images showed that grounded subjects had better blood circulation through their bodies and heads. Even more strikingly, some experimental studies where participants slept or rested grounded found changes in their stress hormones (cortisol) and immune markers. For example, in a controlled trial with 12 people, sleeping with their skin connected to the earth for 8 weeks normalized their cortisol rhythm. Night-time cortisol levels fell and their 24-hour cortisol curves became closer to the natural pattern. Participants also reported less pain, better sleep and reduced stress after grounding.

Direct measurements back up these reports. In one lab experiment, people who walked barefoot on forest trails (compared to wearing shoes) showed evidence of reduced inflammation. Among participants with initially high inflammation (measured by C-reactive protein, CRP), those in the barefoot group ended the program with significantly lower CRP than before (whereas the sneaker-wearing group’s CRP stayed high). This suggests that regular grounding in nature might help tamp down inflammatory markers. In the same study, the barefoot group also had higher serotonin levels after 20 walking sessions, hinting at mood benefits too.

It’s worth noting that most of these grounding studies are relatively small and sometimes use special mats or wires in a lab. But the results are intriguing. A 2015 review of grounding research concluded that “grounding an organism produces measurable differences in white blood cells, cytokines, and other molecules involved in the inflammatory response.” In that report, people with exercise-induced muscle soreness who were grounded showed less pain and different immune cell counts than ungrounded controls. In practical terms, these findings mean that simple contact with the earth (like going barefoot on grass, soil, or even wet sand) might help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

For our everyday lives, the takeaway is that touching nature with your bare feet could have subtle anti-inflammatory effects. It may help balance stress hormones and improve circulation, which in turn can ease chronic aches or tension. Of course, classic health advice still applies: a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, veggies, nuts, etc.) will always help fight free radicals. Grounding shouldn’t replace that. But it could be an extra, quick way to boost your body’s own antioxidant defenses.

Immune Function and Allergies

Tied closely to the microbiome benefits is the idea that nature exposure trains the immune system. We already mentioned that richer skin microbes can help prevent overactive immune responses (like allergies). In a broader sense, walking barefoot in green spaces often goes along with breathing fresh air and perhaps rolling in the grass, all of which expose us to nature’s microbial diversity. This whole package can act like a gentle vaccination for the immune system.

For example, epidemiological studies show that people who live near green spaces or spend a lot of time in nature tend to have lower rates of allergic diseases, asthma, eczema and even some autoimmune disorders. Scientists think this is because regular contact with diverse microbes (from soil, plants and animals) helps the immune system learn to distinguish friend from foe. The Finnish “biodiversity” reviews we cited lay out this theory: they describe an “outer layer” of biodiversity (microbes in soil, water and vegetation) that seeds our inner layer (our gut, skin, respiratory microbiomes). When urban lifestyles remove these influences, our immune “training” is incomplete, and we see more immune troubles.

Additionally, beyond microbes, some grounding studies hint at direct immune tweaks. As noted, grounding has been associated with shifts in immune cell counts after injury. And by lowering chronic inflammation (as above), grounding indirectly supports the immune system. Chronic inflammation can exhaust the immune system and even blunt its ability to fight infections. So by modulating cytokines and reducing oxidative stress, barefoot contact might help immune cells work more efficiently.

In summary, barefoot time in nature seems to help “immunotolerance” – the ability to let harmless organisms pass without a fight. Over weeks and months, this could mean fewer hay fever flares or eczema outbreaks, and maybe even a stronger response to pathogens (the theory is that a well-trained immune system can react quickly to real threats). While more research is needed to spell out these effects, the biodiversity hypothesis and current studies strongly suggest that bringing nature to your feet is good for immune balance.

Mental Health and Mood

Going barefoot is often a mindful, grounding experience in itself – one that can calm the mind. But beyond the psychological feeling of “connectedness” to nature, studies show concrete mental health benefits. There’s a huge literature on exercise and nature exposure, often called “green exercise” or “forest bathing,” and these effects combine physical movement with being outside. For instance, a recent meta-analysis of dozens of experiments found that exercising in green natural environments has noticeably better outcomes for mood and anxiety than exercising in cities or indoors. The review reported large improvements (compared to urban exercise) in lower anxiety and fatigue and higher positive mood, vigor and energy when people walked, ran or cycled in nature.

Walking barefoot adds another layer. The act of feeling different textures underfoot can heighten mindfulness and sensory pleasure. In one experiment (unrelated to exercise), people who walked barefoot in the grass reported feeling more “restored” and more connected to nature than those who wore shoes (even if they walked the same path). This makes sense: removing shoes gives immediate feedback to our brain from the ground, which can sharpen our awareness of the environment. Some psychologists suggest that this “stimulating the sense of touch” with the Earth can strengthen feelings of calm and happiness, though the research is still early.

Specific to mood chemicals, remember the forest walking study that measured serotonin? The barefoot walkers ended up with higher serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter closely linked to well-being and relaxation. It’s possible that the combination of light exercise, fresh air, and foot-ground contact helped boost serotonin more than walking in shoes. In everyday terms, people often feel happier after a barefoot stroll on grass – whether that’s due to chemical changes, or just the simple joy of ditching shoes on a sunny day.

Stress reduction is another key benefit. Being in green spaces is well known to lower stress: it slows the heart rate, reduces cortisol spikes, and eases anxiety. Barefoot walking may amplify these effects. For example, mindfulness teachers often note that the feeling of Earth under your feet can cue your brain to relax (it’s even a principle in some grounding meditation practices). And small studies of grounding have found that people report feeling calmer and less anxious even after a single session. One small report mentioned that participants felt “more relaxed” and had less pain or fatigue after grounding, although researchers also caution some of this could be placebo.

In practical terms: if you are stressed or have a bad day, even five to ten minutes of barefoot time in a garden or park might help lift your mood. You could sit with your feet on the grass or slowly walk around without shoes. Combining this with deep breathing doubles the benefit – you soak in sunlight and scenery (good for your circadian clock too) while literally feeling the Earth.

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep

Our bodies run on a daily clock – circadian rhythms – that govern sleep, hormones, digestion and more. Exposure to natural light and darkness is the main driver of this clock, but interestingly, some research hints that direct contact with the ground can help sync it as well. In a sleep study mentioned above, people who slept with grounding mats (so their skin stayed in contact with Earth throughout the night) showed dramatic shifts in cortisol, the stress hormone that normally follows a daily cycle. By the end of that 8-week study, participants’ cortisol levels at night were significantly lower and their 24-hour cortisol patterns looked more “normal.”

Why does this matter? Cortisol is part of our body’s internal clock – it naturally rises in the early morning to wake us up and falls at night. When that rhythm is out of whack, people often feel groggy by day and wired at night. By improving the cortisol rhythm, grounding participants reported better quality sleep and went to bed less tense. This suggests that being barefoot on the Earth (especially if done in the evening or at night) might gently nudge your body toward its natural cycle.

The mechanism might involve the vagus nerve and autonomic nervous system. Some grounded studies measured heart-rate variability (a marker of vagal tone) and found increases, indicating more parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. A healthier vagus nerve response is linked to better stress regulation and sleep. In simple terms, touching the earth might help your body switch out of “fight-or-flight” mode and into “relax” mode more easily.

Practically, this means that if you often toss and turn at night or wake up feeling unrested, trying bare feet on the grass or earth sooner in the day might help reinforce your body clock. An easy habit could be spending 10-15 minutes barefoot outdoors in the late afternoon or early evening (even just standing or gentle walking on your lawn). This pairs the natural dimming light with the earthing effect, possibly signaling to your brain that night is approaching and it’s time to wind down.

Balance, Proprioception, and Foot Strength

One clear advantage of barefoot walking is that it engages your feet and ankles in a way that shoes often don’t. Modern shoes cushion and support our feet, which is great for protection, but it can also mean we’re not using all the tiny muscles and nerve endings in the soles of our feet. Research shows that going barefoot can activate and strengthen those muscles. In one study of healthy adults, scientists found that walking barefoot (or in very minimal shoes) increased muscle activation in the feet and ankles compared to wearing conventional shoes. Over time, stronger foot muscles can help support your arches and improve overall foot stability.

Why does that matter? For one, better foot strength and control means better balance. The feet are our foundation when standing and walking. If the muscles and tendons in the feet are weak, we may wobble more or be more prone to twisting an ankle. A randomized trial showed that people who wore minimalist shoes for six months increased their foot strength by over 50% on average. The authors noted that this strength gain could contribute to healthier balance and gait. In fact, other research correlates strong “intrinsic foot muscles” with reduced risk of falls and injuries.

Another benefit is proprioception – your body’s ability to sense its own position in space. The feet are packed with sensory receptors. When you walk barefoot on uneven grass or soil, those receptors get plenty of stimulation. This sends signals to your brain and reflex circuits that help you adjust your posture and step automatically. In contrast, thick-soled shoes can dampen that feedback. Some studies suggest that people who practice barefoot walking or use minimal-footwear training show sharper proprioceptive sensibility in the feet.

Improved balance and proprioception can help in everyday life – whether you’re walking on a rocky trail, doing yoga, or just standing on one foot in the kitchen. Over time, these benefits also encourage better posture and alignment of the legs and spine, since everything stacks from the ground up.

Of course, safety matters. If you have foot problems (like diabetic neuropathy or open sores), barefoot may not be advised. But for most people, gradually increasing barefoot time can be helpful. Some foot specialists even recommend simple exercises like picking up marbles with your toes or curling your toes on a towel to build foot strength. Walking on grass takes this a step further by making it a full-body movement.

Putting It All Together

Spending time barefoot outdoors combines exercise, fresh air, sensory stimulation, and natural contact all at once. It’s a simple act but one that taps into many aspects of our health. Here are some takeaways and tips:

• Embrace diversity: Let your skin touch the soil or grass for a few minutes a day. Think of it like “fertilizing” your microbiome with nature’s microbes. Even just standing on the lawn while on the phone or playing with kids in a park can do the trick.
• Ground for calm: When you feel stressed or have pain, try a grounding session. Sit or lie on the grass, place a hand or foot on the earth, and breathe deeply. Some people even report immediate tension relief. Regularly walking barefoot (especially in natural settings) may help keep inflammation and pain levels lower over time.
• Balance with barefoot workouts: Next time you do gentle exercises (like yoga, tai chi, or even squats), do them barefoot on a soft surface. You’ll activate your foot muscles more fully. Over weeks, this can build arch support and steadiness.
• Sync your clock: Try going barefoot in the late afternoon. The combination of cooler feet and dying light may signal to your body that day is ending, helping reset sleep hormones. And of course, a barefoot stroll in the morning sun can also be energizing.
• Enjoy the simple joy: Never underestimate the mental lift of a barefoot stroll on a warm patch of grass. It’s pleasurable, grounding, and completely free. Studies on forest bathing and green exercise consistently show nature boosts happiness. Feeling the grass underfoot just adds to that feel-good effect.

In summary, the benefits of walking or playing barefoot in grass are backed by science on many fronts. It’s not magic, but it is nature’s way of reminding us that our bodies evolved in direct contact with the earth. By reconnecting our feet with soil and plants, we can enrich our skin microbiome, support healthy inflammation levels, sharpen our nerves and balance, and even lift our spirits. For anyone health-conscious, slipping off the shoes now and then is a low-cost experiment with potentially big rewards.

Works Cited

• Puhakka, R., Sinkkonen, A., et al. (2018). Short-term direct contact with soil and plant materials leads to an immediate increase in diversity of skin microbiota. MicrobiologyOpen, 7(5): e00587. PMID:29808965.
• Haahtela, T. (2019). A biodiversity hypothesis. Allergy, 74(8):1445-1456. PMID:30835837.
• Oschman, J. L., & Chevalier, G. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8:83-96. PMCID: PMC4378297.
• Chevalier, G., Melvin, G. W., & Barsotti, T. (2015). One-hour contact with the Earth’s surface (grounding) improves inflammation and blood flow – a randomized, double-blind, pilot study. Health (Basel), 7(8): 1022–1059. doi:10.4236/health.2015.78119.
• Kim, J. S., Lee, M. M., et al. (2024). Effects of Barefoot Walking in Urban Forests on C-Reactive Protein, Interferon γ, and Serotonin Levels. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 21(1):224. PMID:39684992.
• Franklin, S., Li, F.-X., & Grey, M. J. (2018). Modifications in lower leg muscle activation when walking barefoot or in minimalist shoes across different age-groups. Gait & Posture, 60:1-5. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.10.027.
• Hewson, D. J., Pounder, E., et al. (2021). Daily activity in minimal footwear increases foot strength. Scientific Reports, 11:13070. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-98070-0.
• Wicks, C., Davis, A., & Coyle, C. (2022). Psychological benefits of outdoor physical activity in natural versus urban environments: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental studies. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 14(3):807-842. doi:10.1111/aphw.12340.
• American Heart Association. “Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Stress and Anxiety.” heart.org. (Accessed 2024).
• Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep, as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(5):767-776. doi:10.1089/acm.2004.10.767.