Quote Originally Posted by mtbdarby View Post
It actually makes a lot of sense in my case Mimi. I have a hypermobile first ray which means I really CAN'T push off on my toes because the big toe joint goes too far back = lots of pain. With shoes on there is at least some support under that joint. Barefoot there is NOTHING to stop the rotation in that joint. In fact, my orthotics have a metal strip that runs under that joint to prevent it from overextending.

Now does it make sense? If I didn't have that problem I doubt it would hurt to walk barefoot.
Dar, I don't understand the mechanics of your specific problem. I do understand that if you had never worn shoes in the first place your foot muscles would have grown differently than they have in shoes. I understand that your shoes and orthotics solve the problem now, but your feet which have been trapped in shoes all their lives never had a chance.