India, March 5 -- In many cultures, including Asian countries like India, removing shoes before entering the house and walking barefoot is the norm, especially in households where carpeted rugs are common. But did you know there may be some health benefits related to walking barefoot?

Dr Robert Conenello, an experienced licensed clinical podiatrist (a medical doctor devoted to the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg), told HuffPost that walking barefoot increases intrinsic muscular strength within the feet and reinforces the muscles in the feet, which tend to weaken "as we age and wear shoes."

A big champion for the practice of walking barefoot, Dr Conenello added that the muscles in our feet are...