New Delhi, Feb. 10 -- There is nothing quite like the feeling of kicking off your shoes after a long day but have you ever wondered if walking barefoot on hard floors is actually good for your feet? While it might not always be the most comfortable experience, podiatrists and dermatologists say there are some surprising benefits along with a few risks to consider.

Walking barefoot-meaning no shoes, no socks, just skin to the floor-is a simple yet effective way to strengthen the intrinsic muscles in your feet. Dr Robert Conenello, a licensed clinical podiatrist, told Huffpost that these muscles tend to weaken over time due to constant shoe use.

"As we age and wear shoes, our foot muscles lose strength, which can lead to mobility issues l...