Five simple foot-strength exercises

1. Towel scrunches: scrunch a towel towards you with your toes, 2 × 15.
2. Toe spreads: spread your toes as wide as you can and hold for 5 seconds, 10 times.
3. Short foot: lift your arch by pulling the ball of your foot towards your heel, without curling your toes.
4. Calf raises: slowly rise onto your toes and lower down, 3 × 15.
5. Balance: stand on one foot for 30 seconds; close your eyes to make it harder.

General information, not medical advice. If you have foot, ankle or knee problems, diabetes or poor circulation, speak to a GP or physiotherapist before switching to barefoot shoes.