When I travel, I like to keep things light. I’m a carry-on-only kind of person. But let’s be honest—packing shoes is the worst. They’re bulky, heavy, and take up way too much space.
Since I like to stay active on the road, I usually book hotels with gyms. That used to mean packing an extra pair of gym shoes... until this trip. This time, I had zero space, so I swapped them for my BERTs. And you know what? I’m never going back.
Lately, I’ve been really curious about the whole barefoot movement, and I thought—why not test it out in the gym? Here’s what I discovered from lifting weights in my BERTs (note: I don’t use them for cardio—just strength training
1. Better Ground Connection & Awareness
BERTs help me feel more connected to the ground. I could actually feel my feet working. That improved my balance, coordination, and made me way more aware of how I moved during lifts.
2. Improved Balance and Stability
The wide toe box and flat, thin sole gave my feet room to move naturally and spread out. This translated to more stability, especially during squats and deadlifts.
3. Natural Foot Engagement
Since there’s no artificial support or cushioning, my feet were doing all the work—exactly as they should. Over time, this helps strengthen foot muscles and improve mobility.
4. Increased Ankle Mobility
I didn’t expect this, but I noticed a real difference in my ankle flexibility. It made deeper squats feel easier and more natural.
5. Stronger, Happier Feet
With every session, my feet felt stronger. And the best part? My knees stopped hurting. I moved with more control, awareness, and confidence.
Would I go back to regular gym shoes? Nope. My body feels different—in a good way. I train more consciously, more efficiently, and with less pain.
Now, I’ll be honest—people at the gym definitely stare at me like I’ve lost it. BERTs aren’t exactly “gym fashion,” and let’s face it, these days gyms are like runways. But hey, I’ve got a good personality—I can handle a few weird looks.
If you’ve got a pair of BERTs, I highly recommend giving them a try in the gym. Let your body surprise you.
Tried it already? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear your experience!
