feet stimulation

5 December 2021

Special sets of DOTS

How about a design piece that is really original? In this post, we will take a closer look at 4 selected sets of DOTS, which will catch you with their unique drawing, which appears on wood only occasionally. Thanks to the fact that each DOT goes through our hands, we immediately see when something is interesting… and then we gradually sort, pair and look for the best “families”. And sometimes – we manage to put the whole set out of these interesting pieces. Do you want DOTS with a bonus of ORIGINALITY?

offer

3rd Sunday of Advent:

Ground or Cloud 25

In Fire 25

Bicolor 36

Halves dix it 25

DOTS-special-active-25-halves-dixit-detail

DOTS - stylish barefoot product in the interior as decoration

GROUND or CLOUD 25:

Landscape silhouette

or captivating clouds and heavens …

In Fire 25:

“In Fire” DOTS have in the middle

red cheeks,

but also a warm orange hue

of the setting sun.

Bicolor 36:

DOTS which contain

two colors … variety and beauty of mixing

Halves dix it 25:

DOTS which contain

not just two colors

but also ideas for our creativity …

offer

2nd Advent Sunday:

Illusion 25

Linear 25

Circular 36

Beauty mark 36

DOTS Illusion 25:

Stormy sea with thick clouds,

or a flying bird over fields and lands …

DOTS Linear 25:

Fluency, unity and direction?

DOTS Circular 36:

Circles on the surface or a symbol of the circle of life?

DOTS beauty Mark 36:

Beauty marks give uniqueness

to people but also to wood…

Whether you opt for the original DOTS or choose any other meaningful gift from our offer, we will add Christmas present from our own production. So don’t forget to write us your choice from the following offer.

Brochure (only in Slovak):

If you want to please your loved ones and give them DOTS, we recommend that you take a printed brochure, which is a great introduction to the world of barefoot walking and its importance in everyday life (we also have this brochure online, so if the person you give DOTS to is fine with the digital version – save nature and choose another gift)

fairy tale (only in Slovak):

If you want to please your children, we offer you a printed educational story (signed by the author) about the bear Mišo (who did not want to brush his teeth and ate a lot of sweets) and the brave sheep Miška, who helped him. It is the original work of the entire Mazanec family (that’s us BTW), which is a souvenir from our bike trip around Slovakia. But if you want to save nature, you will find the fairy tale in the online text version and even spoken by the author (only in Slovak).

Documentary movie (also with English subtitles):

The last gift we want to offer you is an online screening of the documentary “Following the red sign home”. However, there is no need to expect big tourist performances, rather funny-serious-sweet thoughts, how to survive with three small children on a 2-month hiking in nature. We would like to do an online screening before Christmas. More info about the trip COS – trip around the world .

And in the end, we just want to wish you a happy, peaceful and meaningful Christmas. Without consumption, stress and with the support of local businesses that make sense.

If barefu products appear under your tree, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and we believe that you will love them as much as we do … for us, they have become an integral part of our lives.

If you don’t want to miss any news or interesting information about walking barefoot or an active home, don’t forget to like our Facebookor Instagram!

What is the goal of barefu?

The barefoot’s goal is to be a guide in the exciting discovery of conscious and careful barefoot movement. We offer advice, products and services that will lead you to a conscious and responsible transition to barefoot walking. This is the key to achieving successful movement and proper use of the feet.

—>MORE ABOUT DOTS<---

About the author:

Hi, I am Mgr.art. Eva Mazancová, ArtD. . It may seem from all those academic degrees that I paint whole days or even heal paintings but the truth is elsewhere. The translation of my degrees is an interior designer who has done her doctoral research in the field of design. In my research, I combined my passion for barefoot walking and design with respect to humans. Thanks to the support of my surroundings, I decided that my barefoot journey did not end with school – and so barefu was created, through which we try to raise awareness of the need for a gradual transition to barefoot and the importance of barefoot walking in everyday life. We try to show people that this change can be creative, interesting, stylish, but especially time and energy saving!

(Apart from barefu, I’m also the mother of 3 little boys, the wife of a great guy, a cyclist and a community activist – so if you find that the articles are added slowly, you’re right – I can’t keep up :D)

23 November 2021

Christmas with barefu

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Christmas in an active home or how gifts look like for a moving interior?

An active home is a place that motivates you to move or helps your body (or its specific parts) to move while you normally work in your home.

If you are looking for a gift that has development and scientific research history, will help you or your family to move, with design look, minimalist and playful and made in Slovakia with regard to ecology (quality, renewable and recyclable materials or slow business)? So let us quickly transfer you through our offer that meets all of the above criteria. (everything written in boldcan be clicked on)

DOTS:

stylish minimalist domes that will aesthetically complement your interior and at the same time will train your feet without extra time and effort. More info about DOTS .

active

static

sold out

play

special

sold out

LOGs:

a minimalist, artistic and natural training tool that will bring balance to your life. More info about LOGs .

narrow

middle

sold out

wide

set

sold out

Moving interior:

an interior that motivates you to move in a playful way (we are booked out here until the end of January, but for you to know who can design you a super-truper movement home.

children’s

living room

This is a range of products that can make your home special and fun. Products from barefu … from us – from Evit and Janči.

We believe that our products make sense and will stimulate your (movement) senses and your home will be more meaningful.

Our prices are set fairly and with respect for our suppliers, for us and for you … we do not offer you any Christmas promotion. (In addition, all discounts are manipulative techniques that we do not want to use in our business, so we’d better wait until you want to buy us at a normal price)

And finally, a few tips from us on how to buy the gifts on time…

Tip 1 – in stock!

If you are already buying something online, check whether the e-shop has the goods in stock. Don’t forget to check out the specials, because you can find something completely original there.

Tip 2 – Shipping!

Check when the e-shop sends the orders and also count on the fact that Christmas is on Sunday, so the last order can be delivered on Friday. It means that if you are not an adrenaline enthusiast, order no later than a week in advance – depends how far it will travel. (We will send you DOTS anytime after, only there we cannot guarantee that you will find them under the christmas tree)

Tip 3 – voucher!

If you are not decided you can still give a voucher. Yes, you admit you kept it fot the last minute, but at least you don’t give a nonsense. Many eshop offer vouchers, or you can easily make one yourself.

For your comfort this year, we have decided to include the vouchers in the eshop as well (if you would like DOTS at the last minute).

Purchase voucher: donate a voucher worth € 30 / € 40 / € 65 / € 90

And in the end, we just want to wish you a happy, peaceful and meaningful Christmas. Without consumption, stress and with the support of local businesses that make sense.

What is the goal of barefu?

—>MORE ABOUT DOTS<---

About the author:

25 December 2020

Do you know why you need to stimulate your feet?

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Why does barefu address a need that YOU don’t even know you have?

“Why it is necessary to stimulate the feet ?” is one of the most common questions we get when we start talking about the barefoot. Once you understand our point, the next question comes: “how often?” And if you happen to know what barefoot / barefoot shoes are and maybe even wear them, then explaining is even more difficult for us. How is it possible? Let’s do it step by step:

Why is it necessary to stimulate the feet?

Our feet are closed all day in shoes that more or less limit their natural functioning and range of motion. This means that we do not involve all the muscles of the feet and body intended for walking and standing. On the contrary, we compensate by involving muscles that are not intended for long-term use while walking. The result is overloading of certain parts, poor posture and possible deformations or pain.

The home interior is for most people the only place where they are willing to take off shoes. However, flat hard floors do not offer us sufficient stimulation that would force us to engage and train all leg muscles. The brain quickly evaluates the surrounding surfaces as safe, and we continue our all-day “shoe style”. However, this is different from conscious barefoot walking (for example on stones). In doing so, we are forced to engage all the muscles of the feet, parts of the legs and also the abdomen. It is the change to conscious barefoot walking that is very important. Tromping is eliminated, which causes that our joints and spine suffer, and more muscles are involved and trained.

Have you ever wondered how much time you spend on your feet during the day?
And how much time do you devote to your feet a day – to exercise, relax or stimulate them?
Do you think it’s enough?

If we want our legs (and joints, muscles, or spine – the body is a connected complex) to serve us for many years, we should not forget to train them and keep them in good physical condition every day!

How often do I need to stimulate my legs and what are my options?

Every day and possibilities are many.

Imagine you would have your hands closed in rigid mittens during the day, and when you get home you would be just clickink at computer or press buttons on the remote control. Limited movement and insufficient stimulation during the “free” time would lead over time in deformities, muscle atrophy and, paradoxically, muscle overload, which compensate for the lack of hand use.

Also, flat hard floors do not offer enough stimulation to move the feet, so walking barefoot indoors is not enough. The easiest way to stimulate our feet is to go out and walk barefoot. The variety of surfaces and the possible “danger” (rocks, bees, glass, psikes) keep our feet and senses alert. The feet are forced to balance and adapt to unevenness, avoiding the rocks by contracting or stretching. During a short walk on various stimulating surfaces (grass, rocks, sand, concrete), we will train and engage more muscles than during the whole barefoot evening at home. Physiotherapists also recommend movement on stimulating surfaces outside as part of the prevention of foot problems and to warm up and strengthen the feet.

It is possible to exercise or stimulate the feet at home. Various balance aids are used for this purpose – to involve the muscles of the whole body. Sensory rugs and accessories can stimulate individual points on the bottom of the feet. However, an important factor of these training aids is the fact that it is necessary to find TIME for exercise and spend additional ENERGY (watch out for the effect of a stationary bicycle used only to store things!).

Another possibility of stimulation in the interior are surfaces that do not require extra time and energy for exercise and stimulate the feet during a natural movement around the space. However, safety is a very important aspect of this option. After all, a person can move around even in poor lighting conditions, in complete darkness or with full hands, and does not always perceive what is on the floor. The health conditions of the users and their abilities must also be taken into account. It is the combination of design, stimulative function and safe use that is combined in our barefu DOTS.

Is it enough to stimulate your feet on the beach during your summer vacation?

Walking barefoot on a pebble or sandy beach is great and for many people it is the only public space where they are willing to take off their shoes. However, you need to be very careful not to overdo it!

Imagine you have your hand in plaster all year and when they put it down, you directly go to a two-week volleyball tournament. You could very easily overload your hands and get injured.

Even a half-hour barefoot walk on the beach can mean too much strain for an untrained and unstimulated feet and thus the possibility of overloading or even injury. Just for the feeling of freedom and the possibility of walking barefoot on vacation, we should practice our feet and keep it in good condition throughout the year :).

I wear barefoot shoes – do I need to think about further foot stimulation?

It is true that minimalist shoes allow the feet to work as if it were barefoot. However, the several-millimeter sole doesn’t allow full use of all the neuroreceptors and to truly perceive the surface we are walking on.

A completely bare foot feels much more than a foot in any shoe or sock.

Minimalist / barefoot shoes are great and we think that most shoes should follow its criteria. However, if we wear them mainly on flat hard surfaces, then in conjunction with the sole, which filters out delicate unevenness, we get to the scenario of safe home floors – our feet are not forced to work much and we tend to get back to our learned “shoe walking style”.

Switching to conscious barefoot walking is easiest when a person is completely barefoot, which is why we recommend walking barefoot as much as possible (also when you are a barefoot shoe enthusiast). In this way, we train our feet, strengthen them and more and more include conscious, careful walking into our movement patterns. And it’s also possible to really perceive slight changes in surface temperature or humidity – will you also try it!?

What is the goal of barefu?

The aim of barefu is to be a guide in the exciting exploring of conscious and careful movement. Offer advice, products and services that will lead you to a conscious and responsible transition to barefoot. This is the key how successfuly start to use our feet more and learn how to move it properly.

— > MORE ABOUT DOTS < —

About the author:

Hi, I’m Mgr.art. Eva Mazancova, ArtD. It may seem from all those academic degrees that I paint whole days or even heal paintings but the truth is elsewhere. The translation of my degrees is an interior designer who has done her doctoral research in the field of design. In my research, I combined my passion for barefoot walking and design with respect to humans. Thanks to the support of people from my surrounding, I decided that this barefoot journey does not end with graduation – and so barefu was created, through which we try to raise awareness of the need for a gradual transition to barefoot and the importance of barefoot walking in everyday life. We try to show people that this change can be creative, interesting, stylish, but especially not demanding any extrra time or energy!

(Apart from the barefoot, I’m also the mother of 3 little boys, the wife of a great guy, a cyclist and a community activist – so if you find that the articles are growing slowly, you’re right – I can’t keep up :D)

1 December 2020

Climbing and barefoot under the rock

barefoot, feet stimulation 0

From extreme to extreme … or from climbing to barefoot and back

My last climbing experience made me think about the relationship between climbing and barefoot. Anyone who tried climbing shoes understood how Cinderella’s sister felt when she tried to dig into the small shoes (In Slovak version of Cinderella/Aschenputtel, the slipper is so small that no other maiden can wear it). However, if those shoes were rubbery, she would most likely have better climbing performance than Cinderella, because the slippers were actually too loose when she lost it (assuming that other things like hand strength, physical condition, or climbing style would be the same ;). However in the long run it’s not possible to wear shoes that are too tight. In this article, I (as an amateur climber) will contemplate if we can bring barefoot balance into something as extreme as climbing.

Safe barefoot space under the rock

In Slovakia we have a real climbing paradise – Kalamárka near Detva. It was my first visit and I was really surprised by that rocks.
Honestly, climbing fascinates me, but I don’t practice it because I’m weak and I hate climbing shoes !!! Although I’ve seen a few videos of barefoot climbers, I understand the need to protect the foot with shoes. But I would expect that after the climber gets back down, he takes off his shoes and gives his feet freedom. And here in the bosom of nature, with climbers who I perceive as ecologically minded people and that they love nature, I was completely shocked … glass, glass and glass – everywhere the eye looked. I am a big supporter of walking barefoot and many times I am the one who explains to others that the foot is very resistant to pressure but sensitive to cut, and therefore, if we do not scuff, we don§t get injured even on places with some glass on the floor. But here I didn’t take off my shoes … the glass merged with nature and was hidden between the leaves so it was not possible to spot it in the first moment. Many times it was trampled in the mud, but just as many times a sharp edge protruded. When one realized this and looked around, he felt that glass was everywhere.

In one hour under the rocks, I picked up a full bag of glass. In the meantime, we laughed, ate, climbed and talked with the children. It is clear to me that after the first rain there will be the glass washed again. I just want to point out that between climbing you can also look at the ground (when you are not belaying ?) and it doesn’t have to be tiring or annoying at all. It doesn’t matter who brought the glass there, but if every climber took away a bag of shards, a Kalamárka would become a barefoot paradise within a year. The question is, how would climbers benefit from being able to be barefoot. So let’s first look at the benefits of climbing shoes:

? Climbing shoes are great in that they concentrate all the force you have in your foot and toes in one place – into a solid tip. Its shape and hardness will increase the natural strength of the toes several times

? Sturdy rubber toe box is a great protection for fingers and nails from the rock and helps keep the foot on the rock thanks to the anti-slip material

? The climbers usually wear up to two numbers smaller climbing shoes, they can produce even more strength at the toes

Images taken from (from left to righ, from top to bottom): https://www.hudysport.sk/ako-vybrat-lezecky, https://www.rockpoint.cz/jak-vybrat-lezecky-ktere-vam-padnou-jako-ulite, https://www.hudy.cz/test-damskych-lezecek-la-sportiva-skwama, https://www.internal-flight.com/post/ako-vybrat-spravne-lezecky

Rather a climber’s body than his feet

Climbing is a really complex sport that trains the whole body and mind! So while climbing, every muscle is used to its full extent and “for himself”, the foot in the climber shes produces the force by restricting the movement and accumulating strength of the toes

When a person wears small and narrow shoes, his toes tend to deform into so-called hammertoes over time. This deformation can be found almost among the whole society, as a large number of current shoes are not based on the shape of a human foot. And because we live in the age of shoe style – a woman is willing to deform her feet just to be sexy. In my experience (a lot of people have climbed around me), climbers have onset of hammer toes.

The second type of deformation – claw toes arise from the other extreme, the need to “hold” the shoes on the foot. We have this need in flip-flops or in shoes with a large free space, which do not hold on our own feet, e.g. crocs. And I saw these two kinds of “slippers” under the rock.

In addition, the shoes filter the stimuli from the ground with their soles, and then the leg and its muscles do not need so much work and exercise.

Source: https://www.orthonorcal.com/blog/claw-toes-and-hammertoes-21502.html

Recapitulation:

? Biomechanics of the foot in the climber shoes does not work – the intention of evolution about how the foot should work is denied in the climber shoes

? If you have ever seen how the feet are bind in China (traditionally recognized as lotus flower), climber shoes and pumps would definitely take second place in the ranking .

? It’s nice to change climbing shoes to flip-flops or crocs under the rock, but your foot will be on another uninteresting surface without a need to work and without any stimuli and your toes are forced to “hold” the slippers on your foot.

Barefoot under the rock

Under the rock barefoot – on the rock in climbing shoes. This is how I see the balance between restricting the feet for maximum performance and relaxing it afterwards. The forest itself (glass and waste is not needed there) offers an incredible amount of stimuli that force the foot to work and move.

If the weather and surface allow, try to take off shoes and look for stimulation. Nature itself offers them so much that you don’t have to think about extra work or foot exercise. Many climbers also carry tents or mats with them so that the rope does not get dirty and they can stand on it. That’s a way too – to stand barefoot on a mat. However, use your bare feet – play with the end of the rope, throw it between your toes, massage your foot on uneven ground or rock, spread your toes or lift them …

I felt great under the rock! The reason was definitely the number of super smiling and relaxed people we met there. I can’t imagine any of those we met leaving garbage or broken glass there. But the glass is there and there is a lot of it! Maybe you (climbers) are tired of collecting it after somebody else. But maybe if you try to collect it, you will create your barefoot paradise under the rock, where you can compensate your feet those moments when they were trapped in the climber shoes.

I could learn a lot about climbing from each of you and maybe I’ll learn something over time (at least climb the children’s routes: D). But I believe that everyone knows something which can enrich the others. And since I’m dedicated to barefoot and foot stimulation, I allowed myself to write this reflection about barefoot and climbing. Maybe it will bring you something beneficial :).

PS: We don’t wear helmets in the pictures and that’s bad! We admit plainly that we went for a walk, and by not being on the rock for a long time, we completely forgot about it. However, we would like to appeal that helmets are important during climbing and should definitely be worn – and we will take them next time too!

What is the goal of barefu?

— > More about DOTS < —

About the author:

(Apart from barefu, I’m also the mother of 3 little boys, the wife of a great guy, a cyclist and a community activist – so if you find that the articles are growing slowly, you’re right – I can’t keep up :D)

25 November 2020

Healthy feet

barefoot, barefoot walking, feet stimulation 0

Flat feet, hallux valgus…

99% of people are born with healthy legs. However, by the time we reach the age of 20, up to 80% of us have plantar problems. Why? Because the lifelong wearing of unsuitable footwear takes its toll. Learn more about this topic in the video – Is walking barefoot like walking barefoot?

For example, you most likely did not inherit hallux valgus from your parent’s genes, but from bad habits like wearing narrow shoes with an inappropriate toe shape. Hammer toes, sunken transverse arches, blisters or corns also indicate a lack of room in the shoe. Clawed toes, in turn, point to the wearing of shoes that had to be “grasped with claws / toes” so that they would not fall off – flip-flops, slippers or large shoes. Flat feet do not always mean a problem and do not need constant arch support. Likewise, the cause of collapsed ankles is often to be found higher – in the position of the knees or the strength of the abdomen.

Walking barefoot and healthy feet

Walking barefoot on stimulating surfaces is used worldwide as part of therapy for plantar problems. Ordinary surfaces of the natural environment offer a person a large number of stimuli, which force them to adjust their tread and engage even the last muscle in the foot. Proper engagement of the feet affects the overall movement and supports the involvement of muscles and strengthening the core – the centre of the body. In addition, a wealth of surface information flowing into the brain forces a person to experience a given moment and be truly present. You can learn more about this type of walking in the video: What is conscious / mindful walking?

Healthy walking and a barefoot floor indoors

After wearing shoes all day, why is it recommended to wear other shoes at home – slippers? Because home floors are flat, hard, uninteresting and more especially, safe. Even though we take off our shoes, we are not forced to change the walking style of walking for barefoot. And it is exactly a barefoot style of walking that is essential for moving the feet and walking properly.

However, home interiors can also be beneficial for bare feet. In our region, many families had massage rollers or acupressure sandals for sensory stimulation and relaxation of the feet. There are still several foot training products on the market today. However, DOTS stimulation domed discs are not an exercise aid. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a design accessory that will become a part of your floor. By hiding the stimulating function, you stimulate and exercise your feet naturally by moving around the house, with no extra time or effort needed. What is more, this beneficial habit for your health becomes part of your daily routine, easily, playfully and aesthetically.

If you want to realise the stimulating potential of the floor in your home, be sure to read the article about stimulating products and their placement indoors.

Try DOTS

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Gallery of DOTS

Explore more interesting info and clic on the individual pictograms

Ecological approach

Helping others

FAQ DOTS

Home page

Scientific research

Protected design

barefu DOTS active
70,00 € – 90,00 €
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DOTS play
33,00 € – 45,00 €
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25 November 2020

Scientific research

barefoot, barefoot walking, feet stimulation, research, science 0

Walking barefoot and science

Science has been looking into walking barefoot for over 100 years. The use of footwear, which is not based on the shape of a human foot and does not allow the feet to work to their full extent, takes a toll, not only on the feet themselves but also on the rest of the body. A large meta-study examining research on walking barefoot points to a change in the shape and function of the feet, as well as overall changes in movement. You can find more about this topic with the links to the studies in the video: Is walking barefoot like walking barefoot?

Walking barefoot and healthy feet

Walking barefoot on stimulating surfaces is used worldwide as part of therapy for plantar problems. Ordinary surfaces of the natural environment offer a person a large number of stimuli, which force them to adjust their tread and engage even the last muscle in the foot. Proper engagement of the feet affects the overall movement and supports the involvement of muscles and strengthening the core – the centre of the body. In addition, a wealth of surface information flowing into the brain forces a person to experience a given moment and be truly present. You can learn more about this type of walking in the video: What is conscious / mindful walking?

Walking barefoot at home

For many people, the home interior is the last place where they are willing to take off their shoes. The foot gets freedom after a day’s imprisonment and is ready to move about freely. However, home floors are flat, hard, uninteresting and more especially, safe. Even though we take off our shoes, we are not forced to change the style of walking.

My doctoral research was devoted to indoor floor stimulation, in which I combined my enthusiasm for barefoot with scientific knowledge and design. In the study, I looked for a way to incorporate foot stimulation into a normal daily ritual. Creating a product that would aesthetically complement the home interior, offer unforced and pleasant stimulation of the feet and does not require extra time or energy for exercise. The result is DOTS domed discs, which with their clean design and execution complement each interior and make it a place for home rehabilitation of the feet, with no extra time and effort needed. You can read more about my dissertation on the blog: Interaction of human feet and stimulating wooden surfaces.

Try DOTS

Buy dots

Gallery of DOTS

Explore more interesting info and clic on the individual pictograms

barefu DOTS active
70,00 € – 90,00 €
Select options

DOTS play
33,00 € – 45,00 €
Select options

feet stimulation

If you don’t want to miss any news or interesting information about walking barefoot or an active home, don’t forget to like our Facebookor Instagram!

What is the goal of barefu?

About the author:

Christmas in an active home or how gifts look like for a moving interior?

children’s

children’s

children’s

living room

And finally, a few tips from us on how to buy the gifts on time…

Tip 1 – in stock!

Tip 2 – Shipping!

Tip 3 – voucher!

What is the goal of barefu?

About the author:

Why does barefu address a need that YOU don’t even know you have?

Why is it necessary to stimulate the feet?

Have you ever wondered how much time you spend on your feet during the day?

And how much time do you devote to your feet a day – to exercise, relax or stimulate them?

Do you think it’s enough?

How often do I need to stimulate my legs and what are my options?

Is it enough to stimulate your feet on the beach during your summer vacation?

I wear barefoot shoes – do I need to think about further foot stimulation?

What is the goal of barefu?

About the author:

Safe barefoot space under the rock

Rather a climber’s body than his feet

Barefoot under the rock

What is the goal of barefu?

About the author:

Flat feet, hallux valgus…

Walking barefoot and healthy feet

Healthy walking and a barefoot floor indoors

Explore more interesting info and clic on the individual pictograms

Walking barefoot and science

Walking barefoot and healthy feet

Walking barefoot at home

Explore more interesting info and clic on the individual pictograms