Is it ok to walk barefoot on a treadmill/walking pad?

[Todayisanewday75]

I did a search and some results said it could cause more harm than good and others said it could help prevent injury. Does anyone know which is true? I much prefer barefoot but don’t want to damage myself.

Don't do it! I did last year, just a little walk and my feet were in agony afterwards.

Oh no, I’ve been doing it for three weeks without thinking but maybe I should stop

It depends on how long and how fast you are going I would think. Also the risk of injury is high. Maybe think of trying 'barefoot' shoes?

What are the benefits of barefoot shoes over actually being barefoot?

I broke two toes doing that! I slipped getting off it and my foot got caught. Definitely safer to wear shoes.

This answer to this question depends to a very great extent on how strong and mobile your feet (calves, pelvis spine etc) are

Someone who usually wears very supportive encasing shoes and has limited strength and mobility would really struggle. Someone who spends most of their time barefoot, whose feet are strong and well exercised, will have a very different result.

It depends.

I started off walking barefoot on my walking pad but developed a pain under my foot arch. I now always wear walking shoes and have not had any further issues. The pain went away after about a week.

I've only run briefly on a treadmill in barefeet when they do the gait analysis at the running shop and it is not comfortable at all, the treadmills are quite rough and I think you could end up with friction burns if you're not careful. Also the risk of stubbing your toe on the front of it if you move faster than it is. And unless you've got very good foot and arch strength you'll end up with knee / hip / ankle issues from the lack of support.