Exercising barefoot or in footwear that mimics a “barefoot posture” is a popular trend in the wellness/fitness industry these days. There is a benefit “in not wearing a shoe”, but when lifting weights… that is NOT the case! When the body is “loaded with weight” the arch of the foot is compressed or flattened and this should be avoided! If you want to squat barefoot use body weight squats instead, but if loading is what you want to do, wear a proper shoe.